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 18 of the best songs about fall to get you ready for the season.
The 18 Best Songs About Fall to Add to Your Autumn Playlist
1. “Autumn Leaves” By Nat King Cole (1955)
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 (1956)
With lyrics like “Autumn in New York, the gleaming rooftops at sundown. Autumn in New York, it lifts you up when you’re let down…” you can’t help but 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 (1963)
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 (1967)
This rock classic is transporting you to the U.K. in autumn. With lyrics like, "I like my football on a Saturday, roast beef on Sundays, all right. I go to Blackpool for my holidays, sit in the open sunlight," we can see why lead singer Ray Davies was inspired by his London neighborhood.
5. “September” By Earth, Wind And Fire (1978)
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 (1978)
With lyrics like “Through autumn’s golden gown we used to kick our way, you always love this time of year. Those fallen leaves lie undisturbed now…,” this ‘78 hit will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions about remembering an old love.
7. “Autumn’S Not That Cold” By Lorrie Morgan (1991)
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 (1993)
We don’t know about you, but every autumn we seriously pine for a trip to New England. This 1993 track paints the perfect picture of fall featuring colorful leaves, windy weather and the wildlife.
9. “Autumn Sweater” By Yo La Tengo (1997)
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 (2004)
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 (2011)
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 (2011)
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 (2012)
If you need another reason to like September, here’s this country track for proof. Corb Lund does a great job at convincing us it’s worth appreciating the start of the season.
14. “Sweater Weather” By The Neighbourhood (2013)
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 (2018)
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 (2018)
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 (2018)
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 (2019)
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.