17 Iconic Songs With "Girlfriend" In The Title That Define Pop, Rock, And Hip-Hop History

Few words in the musical lexicon carry as much weight, drama, and pop-culture resonance as "Girlfriend." While it might seem like a simple term, this single word has been the centerpiece for some of the most genre-defining tracks across rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop for decades. From declarations of devotion to complex relationship drama and even outright rivalry, the track title featuring "Girlfriend" acts as a sonic time capsule, capturing the relationship dynamics of its era. This deep dive, updated for December 14, 2025, explores the most iconic, surprising, and recent additions to this unique musical canon.

The sheer variety of music using this keyword is staggering, demonstrating its universal appeal as a lyrical theme. We’re moving far beyond the obvious hits to uncover the deep cuts and genre-bending masterpieces that solidify the topical authority of a single word. Prepare to journey through the history of pop-punk rebellion, disco-funk grooves, and modern R&B confessions, all united by the common thread of one pivotal relationship status: the girlfriend.

The Genre-Bending History of the "Girlfriend" Song Title

The history of the "Girlfriend" song title is a fascinating study in musical evolution. It didn't start with pop-punk angst or modern R&B, but with a rock legend, proving the term's timeless appeal.

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The McCartney-Jackson Connection (1970s-1980s)

The term’s serious musical pedigree began in the late 1970s. The original "Girlfriend" was written by none other than Paul McCartney.

• "Girlfriend" by Wings (1978): Written for Wings' album London Town, McCartney's original is a smooth, mid-tempo rock track with a gentle, romantic groove.
• "Girlfriend" by Michael Jackson (1979): The song gained even wider recognition when Michael Jackson covered it for his landmark album, Off the Wall. Jackson’s version, with its added disco-funk sheen, introduced the track to a new generation and a different genre, solidifying its place in pop and R&B history. This unique connection between two music titans highlights the track's enduring quality.

The R&B and Hip-Hop Evolution (1990s-2000s)

As music moved into the late 90s and 2000s, the term was adopted by R&B and Hip-Hop artists, often with a more complex or possessive narrative.

• "Me and My Girlfriend" by 2Pac (1996): This iconic track (from the album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory) uses "Girlfriend" as a metaphor for his gun, exploring themes of loyalty, protection, and a life on the run. The song was later sampled by Beyoncé for her 2003 hit "’03 Bonnie & Clyde" featuring Jay-Z, showing its lasting cultural impact.
• "Girlfriend" by Bow Wow and Omarion (2007): A staple of mid-2000s R&B and hip-hop, this collaboration was a commercial success, defining the smooth, playful, and aspirational sound of the era.

The Definitive List: 17+ Iconic Songs with "Girlfriend" in the Title

This list compiles the most famous, influential, and diverse tracks that have used the word "Girlfriend" as their primary title hook, showcasing the term's versatility across genres.

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1. "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne (2007): The undisputed queen of the "Girlfriend" song. This pop-punk anthem is an aggressive, catchy, and highly successful track that became a global phenomenon. It was one of the first YouTube videos to hit 100 million views, showcasing its massive cultural footprint.
2. "break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored" by Ariana Grande (2019): A modern R&B/Pop masterpiece from the album Thank U, Next. This song flips the script, embracing a provocative, slightly unhinged narrative that explores themes of temptation and relationship boundaries in the digital age.
3. "Girlfriend" by *NSYNC (2002): Featured on their final album, Celebrity, this track was a departure from their earlier bubblegum pop, leaning into a more mature, R&B-influenced sound. The Neptunes-produced single helped cement the group's transition into a more sophisticated style before their hiatus.
4. "Girlfriend" by Icona Pop (2013): Known for their high-energy electro-pop sound, this track by the Swedish duo is a perfect example of a modern dance-pop interpretation of the theme, focusing on female friendship and rivalry.
5. "Girlfriend" by Christine and the Queens (2018): A slick, funk-infused track by the French artist (now known as Redcar). This song is notable for its exploration of gender and identity, adding a layer of depth to the conventional relationship narrative.
6. "Ain't My Girlfriend" by Too $hort ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Jeremih, French Montana (2017): A contemporary hip-hop track that explicitly defines a casual relationship, reflecting modern dating complexities and a departure from traditional romantic declarations.
7. "Girlfriend" by The Darkness (2003): A glam-rock revival track that brings a theatrical, over-the-top energy to the subject, a sharp contrast to the pop and R&B entries.
8. "Girlfriend" by Alicia Keys (2001): A soulful R&B track where Keys sings about being jealous of her potential partner's current girlfriend, showcasing the emotional complexity of unrequited love.
9. "Girlfriend" by Phoenix (2006): The French indie-rock band offers a more melancholic, alternative take on the relationship song, characteristic of their signature sound.
10. "Girlfriend" by B2K (2002): A popular R&B track that was a staple of the early 2000s boy band era, known for its smooth harmonies and focus on playful attraction.

Modern Takes: The "Girlfriend" Song in the 2020s

The 2020s have seen the "Girlfriend" track title continue to evolve, reflecting the faster pace and more direct communication style of the current generation. These recent entries prove the keyword is far from retired.

Lay Bankz’s 2024 Hit and Viral Trends

One of the most notable and fresh entries is from the rising R&B/Hip-Hop artist Lay Bankz.

• "Tell Ur Girlfriend" by Lay Bankz (2024): This track became a viral sensation across social media platforms in 2024, particularly on TikTok. The song’s popularity highlights a trend where relationship drama and direct, confrontational narratives resonate instantly with a global, digital audience. It’s a perfect example of a modern, streaming-era hit, demonstrating the continued relevance of the "Girlfriend" theme in contemporary music.

The Rise of Niche and Alternative "Girlfriend" Tracks

Beyond the mainstream pop charts, the title is being used in more niche genres, adding to its topical authority and diversity.

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• "Girlfriend's Song" by Saruky (2024): This track is a great example of how the term has infiltrated modern digital culture, appearing on the soundtrack for the popular rhythm video game Friday Night Funkin'. Its inclusion in a gaming context shows the phrase's reach beyond traditional radio.
• "Girlfriend" by Charlie Puth (2020): Puth’s track provides a soft, soulful pop take on the theme, focusing on the desire to transition from a casual acquaintance to an official relationship status.
• "Girlfriend" by Alice Svensson (2008): A pop track that was a major hit in Scandinavian charts, representing the European pop scene's contribution to the theme.

The Enduring Appeal of the "Girlfriend" Keyword

Why does this specific title, "Girlfriend," keep reappearing across decades and genres? The answer lies in its narrative potential and universal relatability.

The term is inherently loaded with emotional baggage—it signifies commitment, jealousy, desire, and the transition from single life to a defined relationship. For artists, it provides a clear, immediate hook that listeners understand instantly, whether the song is about stealing someone else's partner, celebrating a new relationship, or even using the word metaphorically, as 2Pac did. The simplicity of the word belies the complexity of the human relationships it describes.

From Paul McCartney’s gentle rock plea to Avril Lavigne’s rebellious pop-punk demand, and finally to Lay Bankz's viral R&B challenge, the "Girlfriend" song title has proven to be one of music's most versatile and enduring keywords. It continues to evolve, reflecting the changing landscape of love, status, and communication in the 21st century.