Top 15 Songs For Fall Playlist

When I think of Fall, I think of crisp nights curled up in a fuzzy sweater watching the Harvest moon rise over the mountains. The mood for Fall music is mournful and longing songs that make you feel like grabbing a blanket, putting your cozy fuzzy socks on, and having a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. Music is a vital part of self-care because it lifts your mood when you’re feeling sad, need to be pumped up, get relaxed, or get you into fierce, sexy women’s mode. In this article, I’ll share the Top 15 Songs For Fall Playlist that get me in the mood for falling leaves and pumpkin-spiced lattes. 

The inspiration behind this post began with a slow moonlit night in the hills of the city I live in. As I was watching the moon rise over the city, it caused me to think of someone close to my heart. A few moments of happy thoughts quickly turned into a sad, teary-eyed moment, which triggered my melancholy musical choice for the rest of the evening. If you’re like me, you have a playlist for every mood. I found a few playlists in Apple Music that had some great songs, but I added some songs that made me feel like fall. 

Thriller

Michael Jackson

You can’t have Halloween without hearing this Michael Jackson classic “Thriller.” It’s the theme of scary but danceable moments at Halloween parties or in the background as you shop while looking for a Halloween costume. 

California Dreamin’

The Mamas and the Papa’s 

Okay, the first few lines in the song are “All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray,” and it says winter’s day, but I think of this song as appropriate for fall. Maybe it’s because of the ’60s area fashion and colors that remind me of autumn.

Harvest Moon

Neil Young

You may notice a theme on this playlist. Most of the songs I choose are guitar-based, laid-back, coffee shop music, which is just the right vibe for fall. “Harvest Moon” is a love song by Neil Young that highlights his smooth voice and bridge with a harmonica solo. Perfect slow dance song for a Harvest festival.

Free As A Bird

The Beatles

This is one of my favorite songs from the Beatles and reminds me of watching a hawk gliding through the air, and the vocals have a distant, mournful feel. The song’s beat also has an emo vibe with the lyrics, “Whatever happened to, the life that we once knew. Can we really live without each other?” 

Autumn Leaves

Nat King Cole

A classic! I’ve always loved Nat King Cole but hearing this song makes me melt. With Nat’s smooth voice and powerful string rising and falling, I watched the sunset go down. Fall sunsets in California are my favorite. I’m reminded of someone far away as Nat sings, “Since you went away. The days grow long. And soon, I’ll hear an old winter song. But I miss you most of all, my darling, when autumn leaves start to fall.”

September 

Earth, Wind, and Fire

As soon as September 1st hits the calendar, this song will be on rotation on my playlist. Earth, Wind, and Fire are always a crowd favorite at any party. Perfect for a brisk walk through the autumn leaves.

Fly Me To The Moon

Frank Sinatra

I love this song, especially during the fall when the harvest moon is rising. My favorite lyrics that Frank sings are, “You’re the one I long for, all I worship and adore.” Always a heart-clutching moment. Fly Me To The Moon is an American standard that not only is timeless but is romantic at any time of the year. 

Pale September

Fiona Apple

This song sounds just as good and fresh as when it was first released in 1996, with Fiona Apple‘s soothing vocals and lonely piano playing in the background. Worth a hot cup of cider and curling up in a knitted sweater.

Stormy Weather

Etta James  

Another song if you feel blue this fall is to put on Stormy Weather by Etta James. This soulful but sad song will have you up in your feels in no time. Especially if you’re going through heartbreak, you will have this song on repeat. 

Fast Car

Tracy Chapman

This song personally reminds me of a fall from my childhood and driving in the car with my Dad and sister and hearing this song on the radio. Tracy Chapman artfully tells this story in her song and the guitar gives it a country feel in my head, I visualize being on a road trip going driving through fields, and passing ranches along the way. 

Helplessly Hoping

Crosby, Stills, and Nash 

Love the harmonies of Crosby, Stills, and Nash’s song “Helplessly Hoping”. Simple guitar and harmonies dominate this song with beautiful lyrics.

Cold Wind

Joshua Hyslop

I recently heard this song for the first time, and it got me choked up. This stripped-down song with guitar, strings, vocals, and lyrics was the perfect song of regret. Cold Wind is the perfect song for a lonely drive home in the fall. 

Linger

The Cranberries 

Okay, if you grew up in the 90s, you have to know this song! Out of all the playlists that I’ve found, I couldn’t believe that Linger by The Cranberries wasn’t listed. This is the perfect emo-moment of the singing of lost love in a sweater and Dock Martens with strings playing in the background that reminds me of wind blowing leaves through empty streets. Okay, that might seem a little dramatic but it was the song that came to mind when I was having my evening walk. My favorite part of the song is when they sing, “You know I’m such a fool for you. You got me wrapped around your finger. Do you have to let it linger?”

Lilac Wine

Nina Simone

This is my new jam because it’s all about wine and drinking a lot of it. If you’re hanging out with your girls and having a few drinks, Lilac Wine might be a good song to put on if you’re having deep conversations about guys and you’re starting to feel tipsy. 

What are some of your favorite songs on your fall playlist? I’d love to hear from you! Leave your top three fall songs in the comment box below. If you enjoyed this article, you’ll love Fall Day In The Life.