As the end of summer approaches, September often symbolizes change and a new beginning.
This month has been celebrated in song for many years, with artists from all genres creating songs expressing the significance of the month.
This article takes a look at 15 of the best songs about September.
The list showcases a variety of songs that capture the unique spirit of the month.
Through lyrical themes from love to nostalgia, each song offers a different take on the month of September.
This article analyzes the musical elements of each song in order to uncover the unique qualities that make each song so memorable.
1. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
The song “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day is an emotive ballad that reflects the melancholic nature of the ephemerality of the month of September.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the feelings that come with the end of summer and the start of autumn.
The music is powerful and captures the bittersweet emotion of nostalgia and longing.
It is a song that resonates with many people and reminds them of the impermanence of life.
The song is a great example of how music can be used to encapsulate the experience of a time or an emotion.
2. “September” by Daughtry
Daughtry‘s track, “September”, is an emotive ballad that reflects on the bittersweetness of the passing of time.
It speaks of days gone by, and of the future that lies ahead.
The song’s lyrics emphasize the cyclical nature of life and the idea that what has passed will one day return.
The melody is catchy and memorable, and the chorus is particularly powerful.
The combination of the lyrics and the melody makes “September” a thought-provoking, powerful ballad that speaks to the passing of time.
3. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire‘s chart-topping single “September” is a funk-infused anthem that celebrates the joy of living in the moment.
It features an upbeat tempo, a catchy chorus, and a memorable horn section.
The song’s lyrics honour the spirit of the season, expressing optimism for the future and a desire to live life to its fullest.
The song’s message is universal, making it a timeless classic that has been covered by numerous artists.
Its joyful energy and uplifting lyrics make it the perfect song to commemorate the start of autumn.
4. “September When I First Met You” by Barry White
Barry White’s classic single “September When I First Met You” is a smooth soul ballad that celebrates the joys of falling in love.
The song features White’s signature deep, mellow voice, backed by subtle strings and lush horns. Its slow, romantic tempo creates a gentle, intimate atmosphere.
The lyrics tell the story of two people who met in September and fell in love, and the song is an ode to the joy of that moment.
The song is a timeless classic that captures the romance and nostalgia of a particular moment in time.
5. “September Song” by JP Cooper
JP Cooper’s “September Song” is a heartfelt folk-pop song from his 2017 album that reflects on the idea of being able to find strength during difficult times.
The song is composed of a melancholic string arrangement, Cooper’s gentle vocals and poetic lyrics about the power of hope in the face of change.
Cooper’s song is a reflection of the complex emotions of loss and resilience associated with the end of summer.
The lyrical content and the instrumentation of “September Song” come together to create an emotion-filled narrative that speaks to the struggles of letting go.
6. “Come September” by Natalie Imbruglia
Natalie Imbruglia’s “Come September” is a reflective pop song that captures the bittersweet feeling of the end of summer.
The song starts with a slow, contemplative guitar riff, over which Imbruglia sings of the emotions that accompany the arrival of fall.
The lyrics are filled with nostalgia and longing, as the singer reflects on the joys and sorrows of summer’s passing and the promise of a new season.
The song’s arrangement is simple yet powerful, with Imbruglia’s voice providing the perfect backdrop for the poignant lyrics.
“Come September” is a song that speaks to the bittersweet nature of the changing of the seasons, and how the joy of a new beginning can also bring sorrow for the end of something special.
7. “The September Of My Years” by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s “The September Of My Years” is an introspective ballad that conveys an appreciation for the passing of time.
The song is composed of four verses that provide a reflective look at life.
It explores themes of aging and mortality, as well as the bittersweet nature of the passage of time.
The lyrics, set to a melancholy melody, paint a picture of a life filled with both joy and sorrow.
The overall mood of the song is one of nostalgia and acceptance of life’s ups and downs.
The song is a poignant reminder to cherish the moments we have while we still can.
8. “Pale September” by Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple’s “Pale September” is a melancholic reflection on the passage of time and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.
Through the use of a melancholic, yet beautiful melody, Apple’s lyrics capture the bittersweet feelings associated with the changing of the seasons.
The song’s instrumentation of strings and sparse piano helps to create an atmosphere of longing and nostalgia, while her emotive vocals evoke a deep sense of sadness.
“Pale September” is a fitting tribute to the beauty of this time of year, and its melancholic yet hopeful tone makes it a timeless classic.
9. “September Grass” by James Taylor
James Taylor’s “September Grass” is a reflective ballad that captures the poignant beauty of the season.
The lyrics depict the passing of the summer months and the anticipation of autumn.
The song’s melody is slow and melancholic, mirroring the tone of the lyrics.
The instrumentation is sparse, consisting of Taylor’s acoustic guitar and vocal performance.
This simplicity serves to emphasize the raw emotion of the track and further alludes to the changing of the seasons.
Ultimately, “September Grass” is a bittersweet reflection of how quickly time passes.
10. “A Lonely September” by Plain White T’s
Plain White T’s’ “A Lonely September” is a slow-paced, melancholic song that captures the bittersweet feeling of the transition between summer and autumn.
Its lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, painting a vivid picture of falling leaves and the chill in the air.
The instrumentation is sparse and subtle, allowing the vocals to take centre stage and express the full range of emotion in the song.
With its poignant lyrics and melancholic atmosphere, “A Lonely September” is a powerful reminder of the transience of life and the inevitable march of time.
11. “The Late September Dogs” by Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge’s “The Late September Dogs” is a melancholic and wistful song that poignantly captures the feeling of nostalgia associated with the last days of summer.
The song is composed of a bluesy, folk-tinged guitar line and Etheridge’s dynamic vocal delivery.
The lyrics reflect on the bittersweet emotions of a summer’s end, weaving together the themes of longing, regret, and acceptance.
The overall effect of the song is one of poignancy and melancholic reflection on the passing of time.
The track serves as a vivid reminder of the beauty and fragility of the seasons.
12. “See You In September” by The Happenings
The Happenings’ “See You In September” is a classic pop song that captures the bittersweetness of the end of summer.
The lyrics describe how the singer will miss the summer but look forward to the new season and the hope that comes with it.
The song features layered vocal harmonies and a timeless melody, making it a popular choice for the end-of-summer season.
Overall, “See You In September” is an uplifting and nostalgic tune that perfectly conveys the transitional nature of the season.
13. “September Skyline” by Single File
Transitioning from the upbeat jangle pop of The Happenings’ “See You In September”, Single File’s “September Skyline” is a more sombre and reflective take on the month.
The song is a dreamy soundscape of reverb-y guitars and a driving beat that evokes a feeling of longing and nostalgia.
Lyrically, the song dives into themes of change and the passing of time, ultimately conveying a sense of bittersweetness and reflection.
14. “September Gurls” by The Bangles
An iconic tune of the 1980s, The Bangles’ “September Gurls” is a power-pop anthem about the uncertainty of a summer romance.
The song’s classic guitar riff and upbeat melody hide a melancholy lyrical message.
The narrator longs for a summer love to last beyond the end of September and struggles to come to terms with the fact that the relationship may not last.
The song evokes a bittersweet nostalgia, as the narrator reflects on the fragility of love and the end of summer.
15. “September When It Comes” by Johnny Cash
The Bangles’ “September Gurls” is an upbeat, jangly pop single that epitomizes the sounds of the 1980s.
Johnny Cash’s “September When It Comes” is a much slower, melancholic folk song, which reflects the country singer-songwriter’s signature style.
The lyrics of Cash’s song focus on the bittersweet nature of life, and how quickly it can change.
The track features traditional instrumentation, such as acoustic guitar and banjo, and emphasizes Cash’s vocal delivery.
Ultimately, “September When It Comes” is a pensive meditation on life and its fragility.
Best Songs About September – Final Thoughts
The collection of songs about September is a varied one, spanning many genres and styles of music.
While some of the songs, such as “September Gurls” and “September When It Comes” take a more lighthearted approach, others, such as “September When I First Met You” and “September Song” have a more romantic feel.
Each song captures one aspect of the month, be it the joy, nostalgia, or sadness that comes with the end of summer.
By listening to these songs, one can gain an appreciation for the unique beauty of the month of September.
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