"Why Can't We Be Friends?" is a song by the band War, released in 1975 on the album of the same name. Its simple chorus and upbeat groove helped it become widely recognizable far beyond its original release. Online, short clips of the refrain are used in memes, prank edits and comedic videos about conflict, fake reconciliation and unlikely teamwork. The contrast between the friendly message and obviously tense footage is what keeps the sound popular in short-form editing.