Fridays hold a special place in our lives. They symbolize the end of the workweek, the beginning of leisure, and the promise of a well-earned break. Over the decades, musicians have recognized this emotional connection and translated it into songs that capture the essence of the day. But when did the trend of celebrating Friday in music begin, and how did it evolve into the Best Friday Songs we enjoy today?

This blog explores the origins of Friday-themed music, tracing its development from early influences to the modern anthems that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

1. The Early Days: The Rise of the Five-Day Workweek

To understand the origins of Friday-themed music, it’s essential to look at the broader social and economic shifts that shaped our perception of Fridays. The five-day workweek became standard in many parts of the world during the early 20th century. This change came after a long history of six-day workweeks, allowing people to enjoy both a Saturday and Sunday off. With this newfound weekend freedom, Fridays naturally became a day of celebration and anticipation.

The end of the week took on cultural significance as workers and students alike began to look forward to the weekend’s promise of rest and relaxation. This collective sentiment gradually found its way into popular culture, including music.

2. The 1960s: The Birth of the Friday Anthem

The trend of celebrating Friday in music truly began to take shape in the 1960s. One of the earliest and most influential tracks to explicitly celebrate Friday was “Friday on My Mind” by The Easybeats, released in 1966. This song is often regarded as the first major hit to focus on the joy and anticipation of reaching the end of the workweek.

“Friday on My Mind” captured a universal experience enduring the monotony of the workweek and looking forward to the freedom of Friday. The song’s lyrics convey this feeling perfectly: “Monday morning feels so bad, everybody seems to nag me. Come Tuesday, I feel better, even my old man looks good. Wednesday just won’t go, Thursday goes too slow, I’ve got Friday on my mind.” The track’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus reflected the excitement and relief that people felt as the weekend approached.

This song’s popularity helped establish the idea of Friday as a day worth celebrating in music. It was a turning point that paved the way for future artists to explore the theme of Fridays in their lyrics.

3. The 1970s: Disco and the Rise of the Weekend Anthem

The 1970s marked a period of rapid change in music, with the rise of disco bringing themes of freedom, fun, and dancing to the forefront. Disco culture embraced the celebration of nightlife and weekend parties, and Fridays naturally became a focal point for artists and audiences alike.

One notable example from this era is “Thank God It’s Friday” by Love & Kisses, released in 1978 as part of the soundtrack for the movie of the same name. The film and its accompanying soundtrack celebrated the excitement of Friday nights, capturing the essence of disco culture. The title track’s lyrics, “Thank God it’s Friday, Friday, Friday,” are a straightforward declaration of gratitude for the end of the workweek and the beginning of the weekend.

Similarly, Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” (also from the Thank God It’s Friday soundtrack) became a Friday night anthem, reflecting the desire to make the most of the night before it ends. These tracks were not only hits but also symbols of a cultural shift toward celebrating the freedom and excitement of Fridays.

4. The 1980s: Rock Anthems and Working for the Weekend

By the 1980s, the trend of celebrating Fridays in music had firmly taken hold, and rock artists began to embrace this theme with enthusiasm. Songs about Fridays and weekends reflected the era’s emphasis on living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment.

One of the most iconic tracks from this decade is “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy, released in 1981. This song became an anthem for those who spent their weekdays eagerly anticipating the weekend. Its lyrics, “Everybody’s working for the weekend,” resonated with listeners who were looking forward to their days of freedom and fun. The song’s driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs perfectly captured the excitement of reaching the end of the week.

In the same vein, The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” (1992) became a Friday anthem that has stood the test of time. Although released in the early ‘90s, the song’s playful and optimistic tone reflects the carefree spirit of the ‘80s. Its lyrics contrast the monotony of other days with the joy of Fridays: “Monday you can hold your head, Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed, or Thursday watch the walls instead, it’s Friday, I’m in love.”

5. The 1990s: Hip-Hop and R&B Embrace Friday Themes

In the 1990s, hip-hop and R&B artists began to explore the theme of Fridays in new and creative ways. During this decade, Friday-themed songs often focused on relaxation, reflection, and the joy of winding down after a long week.

Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day” (1993) is a standout example from this era. While not explicitly about Friday, the song captures the essence of having a stress-free day and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. With lyrics that describe everything going right, the track resonates with listeners who associate Fridays with the promise of a good day.

R. Kelly’s “Thank God It’s Friday” (1996) explicitly celebrated the arrival of Friday, emphasizing the excitement of going out and enjoying the weekend. The song’s chorus, “Thank God it’s Friday, and I just got paid,” reflects the anticipation of letting loose and having fun after a long week.

6. The 2000s and Beyond: Fridays in the Digital Age

The 2000s and beyond have seen the trend of celebrating Fridays in music continue to evolve. With the rise of digital media and social platforms, Friday-themed songs have become more accessible and shareable than ever before. New artists across genres have embraced the theme, creating tracks that appeal to audiences looking for the perfect Friday anthem.

One of the most notable examples from this period is Rebecca Black’s “Friday” (2011). While initially met with criticism for its simplistic lyrics, the song quickly became a viral sensation. Its chorus, “It’s Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday,” and its narrative of looking forward to the weekend captured the essence of a typical Friday, especially for younger listeners. The song’s viral success demonstrated the enduring appeal of celebrating Fridays in music.

Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” (2011) is another example of a modern Friday anthem. The track’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics tell the story of a wild Friday night out, capturing the spontaneous and carefree nature of the day.

Final Thoughts on the Trend of Celebrating Friday in Music

The trend of celebrating Friday in music began in the 1960s with tracks like “Friday on My Mind” and gained momentum in the following decades. From the disco anthems of the ‘70s to the rock hits of the ‘80s, and the hip-hop and R&B tracks of the ‘90s, artists across genres have continued to embrace the theme of Fridays as a day of freedom, fun, and excitement.

Today, Friday-themed songs remain as popular as ever, with modern artists continuing to create anthems that capture the joy of reaching the end of the week. Whether you’re looking for a classic rock hit, a disco groove, or a viral pop sensation, the Best Friday Songs offer a soundtrack for celebrating life’s simple pleasures and making the most of your weekend.

So, the next time you’re curating your Friday playlist, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind these anthems. From their humble beginnings in the ‘60s to their modern-day incarnations, Friday-themed songs remind us to let go of our worries, embrace the moment, and celebrate the freedom that Fridays bring.