The 21 Best Songs About Fall to Add to Your Autumn Playlist
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FYI, we are so ready for fall. Seriously, what’s not to love? We get breathtaking views of the colorful leaves, a chance to go pumpkin picking at our local festival and finally switch out our bathing suits for comfy sweaters. So whether you’re mapping out the perfect fall date or gathering your family and friends for a bonfire, we have you covered with a playlist that will give you all the autumn feels. From Earth, Wind & Fire to Ed Sheeran, here are 21 of the best songs about fall to get you ready for the season.
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1. “Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole
Release Year: 1955
Notable Lyrics: Since you went away the days grow long/And soon I'll hear old winter's song/But I miss you most of all my darling/When autumn leaves start to fall
This track—originally sung in French—has been covered countless times (by icons like Bing Crosby, Doris Day and Frank Sinatra, to name a few). But it’s Nat King Cole’s cover that has us slow dancing by the fire.
2. “Autumn in New York” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Release Year: 1956
Notable Lyrics: Autumn in New York, the gleaming rooftops at sundown/Autumn in New York, it lifts you up when you’re let down…
After listening to this song, you’ll be tempted to book a trip to the Big Apple if you haven’t experienced the fall season there. Plus, with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s vocals and the jazzy beats, this track is an essential to any playlist.
3. “Autumn Serenade” by John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
Release Year: 1963
Notable Lyrics: Through the trees comes autumn with her serenade/Melodies the sweetest music ever played
Nothing expresses a love for autumn like this ‘60s cover. The vocals mixed with the saxophone solo make it a track to listen to with a nice cup of warm apple cider in your hands.
4. “Autumn Almanac” by The Kinks
Release Year: 1967
Notable Lyrics: Breeze blows leaves of a musty-coloured yellow/So I sweep them in my sack/Yes, yes, yes, it's my autumn almanac
This rock classic will transport you to the U.K. in fall. Take a listen and you, too, will understand why singer Ray Davies was so inspired by his London neighborhood come autumn.
5. “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire
Release Year: 1978
Notable Lyrics: Say, do you remember/Dancin’ in September?
OK, nothing reminds us of September like this classic bop. It’ll have you on your feet at any fall function (and we really hope you’re celebrating extra hard if it happens to be the 21st of the month).
6. “Forever Autumn” by Justin Hayward
Release Year: 1978
Notable Lyrics: Through autumn’s golden gown we used to kick our way, you always love this time of year.
Nostalgia reigns supreme in the fall and this ‘70s hit about remembering an old love will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
7. “Autumn’s Not That Cold” by Lorrie Morgan
Release Year: 1991
Notable Lyrics: I thought I’d stop living, without you here to hold. But I’m not that lonesome and autumn’s not cold.
Heartbreak has nothing on Lorrie Morgan. If you’re recently going through a breakup, let Morgan’s vocals give you a sense of clarity and hope during the season with lyrics like “I thought I’d stop living, without you here to hold. But I’m not that lonesome and autumn’s not cold.”
8. “When Fall Comes to New England” by Cheryl Wheeler
Release Year: 1993
Notable Lyrics: When Fall comes to New England/And the wind blows off the sea/Swallows fly in a perfect sky/And the world was meant to be.
We don’t know about you, but every autumn we seriously pine for a trip to New England. If you’re looking for a song about fall that features colorful leaves, windy weather and wildlife, this ‘90s track fits the bill.
9. “Autumn Sweater” by Yo La Tengo
Release Year: 1997
Notable Lyrics: We could slip away/Wouldn't that be better/Me with nothing to say/And you in your autumn sweater
OK, this bop is less about the season. However, remembering your love's go-to autumn sweater has to count, right?
10. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
Release Year: 2004
Notable Lyrics: Summer has come and passed/The innocent can never last
While this song is based on sadness and grief, it's still a song we jam out to whenever September rolls around. (And if you're thinking of watching the music video, we hope you have some tissues handy.)
11. “Harvest Time” by Luke Bryan
Release Year: 2011
Notable Lyrics: It’s harvest time in this little town/Time to bring it on
Nothing says fall like spending time outdoors under the red moon. Luke Bryan channels autumn in a small farm town that we're itching to visit one day.
12. “Autumn Leaves” by Ed Sheeran
Release Year: 2011
Notable Lyrics: Do you ever wonder if the stars shine out for you?/Float down/Like autumn leaves
Grab a blanket, a good fall book and listen to the soft tones of Ed Sheeran. Let him sing (while the acoustic guitar plays in the background) as he talks about a special person from his past.
13. “September” by Corb Lund
Release Year: 2012
Notable Lyrics: Stay with me through September/The summer didn't last/And there ain't nobody in New York City that could need you half as bad.
Here, a country track that will make you fall in love with September. Corb Lund does a great job at convincing us it’s worth appreciating the start of the season.
14. “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood
Release Year: 2013
Notable Lyrics: Cause it's too cold/For you here/And now, so let me hold/Both your hands in the holes of my sweater.
The indie track that has us reaching for our comfiest sweater. We also can’t forget using this song title to caption all of our Instagrams in fall 2013. Let’s be honest: This song screams fall, love and enjoying the weather with a nice sweater.
15. “Autumn Town Leaves” by Iron & Wine
Release Year: 2018
Notable Lyrics: In this autumn town where the leaves can fall/On either side of the garden wall/We laugh all night to keep the embers blowing.
We found the perfect song to play at your next camping trip. It’ll also help you appreciate nature changing during the fall just a little bit more.
16. “We Fell in Love in October” by Girl in Red
Release Year: 2018
Notable Lyrics: We fell in love in October/That’s why I love fall.
Looks like your date night just got a whole lot more romantic. This indie-rock song is all about falling in love with someone and how the confession sparked a greater appreciation for the season.
17. “Just Like Autumn” by The Tuesday Crew, Carly Bannister, Jordy Searcy
Release Year: 2018
Notable Lyrics: Jacket weather, take my hand.
With lyrics like, “Jacket weather, take my hand/See October in your eyes, feels like I just stepped outside…,” comparing love to autumn is probably the sweetest thing in the world.
18. “Harvest Fair” by Summer Salt
Release Year: 2019
Notable Lyrics: If she wants I will meet her there/At the parade or the harvest fair.
A fall date to the fair? Sounds like a great idea to us. If you need a song to play on your way there, choose this 2019 hit.
19. “La Chanson de Prévert” by Serge Gainsbourg
Release Year: 1962
Notable Lyrics: Passe l'automne vienne l'hiver/et que la chanson de Prévert
One of the saddest and most beautiful songs about fall, this Serge Gainsbourg number mentions dying leaves and autumn turning to winter. That said, you don’t need to be fluent in French to pick up on the melancholic and romantic fall vibes.
20. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
Release Year: 1992
Notable Lyrics: Because I'm still in love with you/I want to see you dance again/Because I'm still in love with you/On this harvest moon
Neil Young seems to be singing to himself in this nostalgic and oh-so romantic tune. It also happens to be a calming and dreamlike lullaby that could make anyone drift off to sleep…on this harvest moon.
21. “Pale September” by Fiona Apple
Release Year: 1996
Notable Lyrics: Pale September, I wore the time like a dress that year/The autumn days swung soft around me, like cotton on my skin
Fiona Apple’s smooth and sultry voice is perfect for an autumnal soundtrack and this lowkey track is proof. Light some candles, pour a glass of wine and press play for a song about fall that’s sure to help you unwind.
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