Autumn is a beautiful season that’s filled with warm colors. It’s also a magical season that can remind you of something spooky because of Halloween or of the warmth you feel with your family at Thanksgiving.
This season has something for everyone, and it shows, thanks to the following songs about fall.
1. “Autumn in New York” by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald
Louis and Ella had powerful, unique voices. It’s no surprise that this song became a popular hit when it came out.
The piece takes us to the heart of New York City, right in Central Park.
The romance is palpable, especially with those voices. The song has a classical feel to it that’s romantic and grand.
Next: The best New York songs of all time
2. “Autumn Sweater” by Yo La Tengo
Autumn may be a little warmer than winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s hot.
The season has a bite, and no song reminds you of that as effectively as this one. The lyrics and warm sounds make you think of your favorite fall sweater.
You might think of that old wool cardigan or oversized sweater. It’s all in this song, which makes it so special.
Next: The best songs about winter of all time (cold weather songs)
3. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Greenday
The fall makes us think of a lot of things. Sometimes, our minds go to a happy, grateful places. Other times, the mind goes somewhere a bit more melancholic.
If that’s you this fall, then this powerful song is for you.
The song talks about the sadness you feel after losing a loved one, and it hits you right in the heart. The song is about coping with that pain but not wanting to face it, too.
Next: The saddest songs of all time (a list of our favorites)
4. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
Neil Young has a lot of iconic songs in his repertoire, and this one is no different.
For some reason, Young wanted to write a song about the fall and harvest time. It’s an important time for people, even if we don’t always pay attention.
The song focuses on the moon, which makes sense. During autumn, the moon looks quite spectacular, and that’s worth a million songs.
Next: The top songs about the moon of all time (a list of our favs)
5. “Autumn Almanac” by The Kinks
Classics never die, and The Kinks were incredible artists who produced some wonderful classics.
This song is one of those classics that is about autumn. The song has more of a relaxed feel. It reminds you of the good times ahead, like football games and the time you spend with loved ones. It reminds you of the food and everything good about this season.
6. “We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes
The White Stripes are never afraid to take chances.
This makes them special, and it makes this song stand out. The song is about the good old days when you go back to school.
Kids get a chance to make new friends or mingle with old friends they left during summer vacation. It’s the perfect, kid-friendly autumn song to play.
Next: The best friendship songs of all time (best friend tracks)
7. “My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion” by The Flaming Lips
Autumn is the beginning of a new season, but it’s also the end of summer.
This wild song expresses that truth so well. It’s a rowdy song, but that’s part of its charm.
The summer fun is over, but you get one last hurrah with this song. It’s an exciting time, but you also have to accept the change.
Next: The best Summer songs of all time (summertime tracks)
8. “Autumn Leaves” by Eva Cassidy
No one can sing like Eva Cassidy, and she shows off those wonderful vocal chords singing these lyrics.
The song is about autumn, but it’s more about how this season reminds her of a loved one. This person isn’t there but needs to be.
She talks about missing this person and hoping they come back. The song is about the military or anyone who, for some reason, isn’t with their loved one right now.
Next: The top songs about missing a loved one (our list of favs)
9. “November” by Tom Waits
What a great title for a piece written for the fall, right?
Tom Waits hits you hard with this song that talks about the sadness of spring and summer passing.
This song isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, but sometimes, you need a song like this to express what you’re feeling. The song even longs for spring to come and to bring warmth back.
Next: The best songs about spring of all time (springtime hit tracks)
10. “Autumn Serenade” by John Coltrane
Every autumn song isn’t about the cold it brings.
Sometimes, folks sing about this season because it’s wonderful, and that’s what you get with this song. You get uplifting lyrics and a spirited rhythm, thanks to John Coltrane.
The voice is perfect, and the sound makes you jump because the fall is finally here along with its joyous colors. It’s good to have songs about fall that can put you in a positive mood.
Next: The best jazz songs of all time (a list of our favorites)
11. “Autumn” by Paolo Nutini
Nutini brings a biting and heartbreaking song to the public.
This song is about the bitter truth of the human condition. It’s about the passage of time and losing those we love. Sometimes, this happens because they leave us or because of death.
It’s not a happy song, but it gives you comfort. It tells you that you aren’t alone. Your heart breaks, and you feel time as much as your fellow human beings.
Next: The best songs about time and the passing of it (a list of our picks)
12. “Last Day of Summer” by The Cure
The Cure never fails to deliver. Fans of the band know this to be true. If their playful lyrics don’t stay with you, their inventive sound will.
This song is the perfect example of what they are capable of.
It’s a song about regret. Maybe summer didn’t give you everything you wanted, but time is passing. Maybe things will get better now that the fall is here. It’s an interesting song that deserves to be mentioned.
13. “Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood
This is a harmless little song. It’s a reminder that winter is on its way.
It’s going to be getting cold, and you don’t have much time to prepare. If you don’t have your winter clothes ready, then get them out.
If you haven’t canned your fruits or fermented your veggies, then get on that. The song has a warm and fun feel to it, which is great to start your fall.
14. “October” by U2
If you love that 80s sound, then this title is for you. This song isn’t just the perfect 80s song; it’s also great for the fall.
It’s one of the most iconic songs about autumn that’s performed by none other than U2.
The song is nostalgic, fun, and talks about the passage of time.
Next: The best 80s songs (a list of our favorites from the 1980s)
15. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
This is a classic band. This band has made musical history with many of their songs, and this one is no different.
The song makes you sit there in awe. It makes you think of how amazing and strange seasons can be.
You think about the majesty of rain, especially in November when those rain showers can be a bit excessive. It’s an iconic song perfect for fall.
Next: The best classic rock songs of all time (a list of our favs)
16. “Colder Weather” by The Zac Brown Band
Here’s another song that’s just for you. It’s a harmless song that’s there to remind you that chilly days are on their way.
The song wants you to prepare yourself mentally for the change in temperature.
You can no longer enjoy the warmth of summer. You have to be ready for the cold. It may not be fully here, but it’s inevitable, and this song reminds you of that.
17. “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas and the Papas
This is a beautiful piece, and it needs to be on this list. It’s full of metaphors but also is quite inventive.
The sound is out of this world and part of what makes this song memorable.
It talks about the physical changes you see when autumn hits but also makes you think about dreams that might be ending and the dreams you haven’t dreamed of yet. The song is perfect for autumn.
That wraps up this list of autumn tracks! Did we miss out on any essential fall weather songs? Let us know by contacting us today.
Read Next:
Playlist of songs about September
The best Kids Halloween songs of all time
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.