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10 Best Songs About Trust and Distrust

Photo by soliejordan for Pixabay

The universal struggle to build trusting relationships is best reflected in music.

J.A. Hagl
J.A. Hagl

Nov 16 | 2025

After love, trust is next on the list of music’s most sung-about topics. Trust plays a crucial role in all types of relationships.

Here are 10 of the most memorable songs about trust – or a lack thereof:

1. “Trust in Me” by Etta James

Etta James’ 1937 classic “Trust in Me” is about more than merely having faith in your partner, it’s a plea for trust. James captures the strife of a relationship in which one partner appears to be more invested and trustful. A lyric like “Trust in me in all you do” is a cry from Etta’s soul.

2. “The Times They Are A Changin'” by Bob Dylan

Between the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, the ’60s were a time of social unrest and mistrust. Bob Dylan’s‘s song is a call for change and an affirmation that change is indeed possible.

3. “A Matter of Trust” by Billy Joel

Once you get past the butterflies, there’s the challenge of keeping a relationship alive. Billy Joel shares what it takes to make a relationship last: Trust in each other.

4. “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick

“That’s What Friends Are For” was out three years before Dionne Warwick recorded this version featuring Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. Their version became a smash hit: a worthy success of four friends singing about dependable companionship.

5. “Let Me Leave” by Marc Broussard

Sometimes trusting someone is a bad idea, especially when they haven’t given you one good reason to. If you’re lucky enough to get a heads-up like Marc Broussard’s “Let Me Leave,” you’d better take it.

6. “Lean On” by Major Lazer & DJ Snake Ft. MO

Named the 2015 song of the year, with more than 1 billion streams on Spotify, “Lean On” is a mashup of EDM and indie vocals from music collective Major Lazer, DJ Snake and Swedish singer MO. Arguably the song of the summer, “Lean On” makes the point that all we need is someone to lean on.

7. “Fortress” by Coleman Hell

Toronto-based artist Coleman Hell‘s “Fortress” features the same folktronica and EDM elements as his other EP. With its catchy, upbeat sound, it’s easy to forget the song is about how hard it is to get someone to trust you enough to let you in.

8. “Take Care” by Drake ft. Rihanna

Whenever trust is broken, there’s always someone else there to pick up the pieces. Drake‘s 2012 hit “Take Care” explores the aftermath of trying to take care of someone whose heart has been broken. Drake approaches trust from all angles: giving it, gaining it, and losing it.

9. “Trust Nobody” by D4

Backstabbing, faking, lying—there’s a point where the only person you can trust is yourself. D4, the New Zealand rock band from the late ’90s, figures that getting what you need just might be a solo effort.

10. “Trust” by Justin Bieber

Talk about a redemption tour. Justin Bieber‘s entire album Purpose is centered around the pop star’s journey to redemption and regaining the trust he lost. “Trust” is about rebuilding trust and finding his way back — emotionally, musically, spiritually. But that was years ago.

Today, amid his Swag era, the Biebers are navigating renewed strain from the emotional weight of new parenthood, creative pressure, and public scrutiny. Hailey has made it clear — those divorce rumors are not true — and their bond is anchored by family and their little boy, Jack Blues.

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