19 Best Songs about Fall (or Autumn)

As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools, there’s no denying that fall is in the air. For many, the season evokes feelings of nostalgia, coziness, and reflection, making it a popular subject for musicians to write about. From classic rock to indie folk, there are countless songs that capture the essence of autumn and its unique blend of melancholy and beauty. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 19 best songs about fall (or autumn), covering a range of genres and styles.

Our list features some of the most iconic autumn-themed songs of all time, including Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Only Living Boy in New York”. We’ll also be showcasing some lesser-known gems, such as The Head and the Heart’s “Rivers and Roads” and Bon Iver’s “Holocene”. Whether you’re looking for tunes to accompany a cozy evening in, or you simply want to get into the spirit of the season, these songs are sure to do the trick. So sit back, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and enjoy our roundup of the top 19 best songs about fall.

1. Autumn Sweater – Yo La Tengo

“Autumn Sweater” is a soothing indie rock song by the American band Yo La Tengo. Released in 1997 as part of their album “I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One”, the song’s gentle guitar strumming, soft percussion, and hushed vocals create a dreamy and introspective atmosphere. The lyrics, which center around the speaker’s longing for a lost love, are poetic and evocative, painting vivid images of autumnal scenes and nostalgic memories. The song’s understated beauty and emotional depth make it a standout track in Yo La Tengo’s discography and a beloved favorite among indie music fans. Its timeless quality has also earned it a spot in many “best of” lists for indie rock and alternative music.

2. Autumn Almanac – The Kinks

“Autumn Almanac” is a classic rock song by British band The Kinks, released in 1967 as a single. The song’s upbeat and catchy melody, led by a twangy guitar riff and bouncy piano chords, belies its melancholic lyrics about the passing of time and the end of summer. The lyrics, penned by frontman Ray Davies, vividly describe the changing of the seasons and the joys and frustrations of everyday life. The song’s nostalgic and wistful tone, coupled with Davies’ distinctive vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation, make “Autumn Almanac” a standout track in The Kinks’ extensive discography. It has since become a beloved classic rock staple and a fitting soundtrack to the arrival of autumn.

3. Autumn Serenade – Coltrane & Hartman

“Autumn Serenade” is a jazz ballad originally written by Peter De Rose and Sammy Gallop in 1945. This version, performed by legendary saxophonist John Coltrane and vocalist Johnny Hartman, was released on their 1963 album “John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman”. The song’s slow, romantic tempo and lush orchestration, featuring Coltrane’s smooth saxophone and Hartman’s velvety crooning, create a warm and intimate atmosphere. The lyrics, which compare the beauty of autumn to the joys of falling in love, are delivered with tender sincerity by Hartman. Coltrane’s saxophone solos add a touch of melancholy to the song’s romantic sentiment, making it a bittersweet and captivating piece of jazz music. “Autumn Serenade” remains a beloved standard in the jazz canon and a testament to the enduring power of love and the changing of the seasons.

4. Autumn Town Leaves – Iron & Wine

“Autumn Town Leaves” is a haunting and introspective song by American singer-songwriter Iron & Wine, released in 2002 as part of his album “The Creek Drank the Cradle”. The song’s sparse and delicate instrumentation, featuring gentle guitar strumming and subtle percussion, create a sense of solitude and melancholy that perfectly complements the introspective lyrics. The song’s narrator reflects on the passing of time and the changing of the seasons, using vivid imagery of autumn leaves and the fading of the sun to convey a sense of nostalgia and loss. Iron & Wine’s soft and intimate vocals add to the song’s somber beauty, creating a moving and poetic meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

5. Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground – The White Stripes

“Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” is a garage rock song by American rock duo The White Stripes, released in 2002 as part of their album “White Blood Cells”. The song’s raw and gritty sound, driven by Jack White’s electrifying guitar riffs and Meg White’s pounding drums, creates a frenetic and intense atmosphere. The lyrics, which describe a failed relationship and the emotional fallout of its end, are delivered with visceral energy and cathartic release by Jack White’s distinctive vocals. The song’s infectious energy and rough-edged sound helped establish The White Stripes as one of the leading acts of the garage rock revival of the early 2000s, and it remains a beloved classic rock anthem to this day.

6. Harvest Moon – Neil Young

“Harvest Moon” is a folk rock classic by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young, released in 1992 as part of his album of the same name. The song’s gentle and melodic sound, featuring acoustic guitar, harmonica, and piano, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s romantic lyrics. Young’s emotive and heartfelt vocals express a deep sense of love and devotion, as he sings about dancing under the harvest moon with his beloved. The song’s timeless quality and tender sentiment have made it a beloved favorite among Young’s extensive discography and a classic love song in its own right. Its inclusion in numerous film and TV soundtracks has also helped solidify its place in popular culture.

7. My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion – The Flaming Lips

“My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion” is a psychedelic rock song by American band The Flaming Lips, released in 2006 as part of their album “At War with the Mystics”. The song’s trippy and surreal sound, featuring swirling guitars, lush orchestration, and ethereal vocals, creates a dreamlike and otherworldly atmosphere. The lyrics, penned by frontman Wayne Coyne, are a mix of whimsical and cryptic, referencing cosmic rebellion, rebirth, and the eternal cycle of life and death. Coyne’s distinctive vocals add a sense of wonder and mysticism to the song’s already surreal vibe, creating a heady and enchanting listening experience. “My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion” is a standout track in The Flaming Lips’ extensive discography, showcasing the band’s unique brand of psychedelic rock and their talent for crafting deeply immersive and imaginative music.

8. September – Corb Lund

“September” is a country rock song by Canadian singer-songwriter Corb Lund, released in 2009 as part of his album “Losin’ Lately Gambler”. The song’s upbeat and catchy sound, featuring twangy guitars and driving percussion, creates a celebratory and optimistic atmosphere. The lyrics, which celebrate the arrival of September and the end of summer, are delivered with Lund’s signature wit and charm, referencing fall traditions such as football games, hunting, and apple picking. Lund’s smooth and soulful vocals add to the song’s joyful vibe, creating a feel-good anthem for the changing of the seasons. “September” showcases Lund’s talent for blending traditional country music with modern rock influences, and it remains a beloved favorite among his fans and country music lovers alike.

9. Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood

“Sweater Weather” is an alternative rock hit by American band The Neighbourhood, released in 2013 as part of their album “I Love You”. The song’s atmospheric and moody sound, featuring sparse instrumentation and haunting vocals, creates a sense of introspection and longing. The lyrics, which describe a bittersweet romance and the changing of the seasons, are delivered with raw emotion and vulnerability by frontman Jesse Rutherford’s distinctive vocals. The song’s chorus, with its catchy hook and memorable melody, has become a beloved favorite among indie rock fans and a staple of alternative radio. “Sweater Weather” helped establish The Neighbourhood as a rising force in alternative music and remains one of their most successful and recognizable songs to date.

10. The Last Day of Summer – The Cure

“The Last Day of Summer” is a melancholic post-punk song by British band The Cure, released in 2000 as part of their album “Bloodflowers”. The song’s haunting and atmospheric sound, featuring ethereal guitar melodies and lush instrumentation, creates a sense of nostalgia and reflection. The lyrics, which describe the passing of summer and the onset of autumn, are delivered with the emotional intensity and introspection that is characteristic of The Cure’s music. Frontman Robert Smith’s distinctively moody vocals add to the song’s brooding atmosphere, creating a somber and contemplative listening experience. “The Last Day of Summer” is a standout track in The Cure’s extensive discography, showcasing the band’s ability to craft deeply emotive and introspective music that resonates with fans of alternative and post-punk music.

11. Autumn Leaves – Eva Cassidy

“Autumn Leaves” is a classic jazz standard, originally composed in French as “Les Feuilles Mortes” in 1945 by Joseph Kosma, with lyrics by Jacques Prévert. Eva Cassidy’s rendition of this timeless tune is hauntingly beautiful, showcasing her mesmerizing vocals and impeccable guitar skills. Her emotive interpretation captures the bittersweet nostalgia of the changing seasons, painting vivid imagery of falling leaves and fading memories. The arrangement is stripped down and intimate, featuring only Cassidy’s vocals and guitar, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the song’s melancholic atmosphere. Cassidy’s version of “Autumn Leaves” is a stunning testament to her talent as a musician and her ability to capture the essence of a song’s emotion.

12. Autumn Song – Van Morrison

“Autumn Song” is a soulful and reflective ballad written and performed by legendary Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Released in 1972 as part of his album “Saint Dominic’s Preview,” the song captures the essence of the autumn season with its introspective lyrics and wistful melody. The gentle acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment provide a simple yet effective backdrop for Morrison’s warm, expressive vocals. The song’s introspective lyrics speak of the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for the changes in life and love, evoking a sense of melancholy and longing for what has been lost. “Autumn Song” is a beautiful and timeless piece of music that showcases Van Morrison’s prowess as a songwriter and performer, and continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

13. Chill of an Early Fall – George Strait

“Chill of an Early Fall” is a classic country ballad, written by Gretchen Peters and performed by the iconic American country singer George Strait. The song was released in 1991 as part of Strait’s album of the same name, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The song’s heartfelt lyrics tell the story of a man coming to terms with a failing relationship and the pain of letting go. Strait’s smooth, understated vocals perfectly capture the emotions of the lyrics, while the gentle instrumentation adds to the melancholic atmosphere. The chorus, with its memorable melody and poignant lyrics, is particularly moving, conveying a sense of resignation and acceptance. “Chill of an Early Fall” is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases George Strait’s talent as a storyteller and performer, and has cemented its place as a beloved classic of the country genre.

14. Leaves That Are Green – Simon & Garfunkel

“Leaves That Are Green” is a folk-pop gem by the legendary American duo Simon & Garfunkel. Released in 1966 as part of their album “Sounds of Silence,” the song is a bittersweet reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The song’s lyrics speak of the fading of youth and the loss of innocence, with the titular “leaves that are green” representing a metaphor for the transience of life. The melody is catchy and upbeat, with Simon & Garfunkel’s trademark harmonies adding to the song’s timeless appeal. The instrumentation is relatively sparse, with acoustic guitars and light percussion providing a subtle backdrop for the vocals. “Leaves That Are Green” is a poignant and thought-provoking song that showcases the duo’s songwriting and vocal talents, and has rightfully earned its place as a classic of the folk-pop genre.

15. November Rain – Guns N’ Roses

“November Rain” is a classic rock ballad by the iconic American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses. Released in 1992 as part of their album “Use Your Illusion I,” the song is a tour de force of emotional intensity and musical virtuosity. Clocking in at over eight minutes, the song features a sweeping orchestral arrangement, intricate guitar solos, and Axl Rose’s signature soaring vocals. The lyrics speak of a tumultuous relationship and the pain of letting go, with the rain serving as a metaphor for the tears and heartache that come with lost love. The song’s epic music video, which features a lavish wedding scene and a poignant funeral, has become a beloved classic in its own right. “November Rain” is a powerful and timeless rock ballad that showcases Guns N’ Roses’ musicianship and Axl Rose’s vocal prowess, and remains a favorite of rock fans around the world.

16. September – Earth, Wind & Fire

“September” is a classic funk and disco hit by the American band Earth, Wind & Fire. Released in 1978, the song features a groovy bassline, lively horn section, and catchy vocals that have made it a staple of dance floors for decades. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy and optimism of the month of September, evoking a carefree and celebratory atmosphere that is infectious. The upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it impossible not to tap your toes and dance along to this classic tune. “September” has become a beloved classic of the funk and disco genres, and remains a staple of parties and weddings to this day, with its universal message of love, positivity, and celebration.

17. The Boys of Fall – Kenny Chesney

“The Boys of Fall” is a heartfelt country song by American singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney. Released in 2010 as the lead single from his album “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” the song celebrates the camaraderie and lifelong bonds forged on high school football teams. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and emotions of the Friday night lights, with Chesney’s warm vocals and the soaring chorus capturing the passion and excitement of the game. The song’s anthemic quality and infectious melody make it a favorite among sports fans and country music enthusiasts alike, and it has become a beloved classic of the genre. “The Boys of Fall” is a tribute to the power of sports to bring people together and inspire a sense of community, and it remains a timeless anthem of the American high school football experience.

18. Wake Me Up When September Ends – Green Day

“Wake Me Up When September Ends” is a powerful rock ballad by the iconic American punk rock band Green Day. Released in 2004 as part of their album “American Idiot,” the song is a poignant reflection on loss, grief, and the passage of time. The lyrics tell the story of a young man’s pain and confusion following the death of his father, with September serving as a symbol for the month in which his father passed away. The song’s haunting melody and Billie Joe Armstrong’s emotive vocals make it a deeply moving tribute to the complexities of grief and the enduring power of love. The music video, which depicts a couple’s separation due to the Iraq War, adds a layer of political commentary to the song’s emotional impact. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” is a timeless rock ballad that showcases Green Day’s songwriting and musical prowess, and has become a beloved classic of the genre.

19. Autumn in New York – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

“Autumn in New York” is a classic jazz standard, originally composed by Vernon Duke in 1934. This particular version of the song, performed by the legendary jazz duo Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, is a stunning showcase of their musical chemistry and vocal prowess. The song’s melancholic melody and lyrics evoke the bittersweet beauty of autumn in New York City, with its changing leaves, cool breezes, and wistful romanticism. Fitzgerald’s smooth and velvety vocals blend seamlessly with Armstrong’s gravelly and soulful crooning, creating a dynamic and unforgettable duet. The song’s timeless quality and elegant simplicity have made it a favorite of jazz enthusiasts and romantics around the world. “Autumn in New York” is a poignant and evocative jazz classic, a testament to the enduring power of great music and the joy of artistic collaboration.