As I sit here, watching the last of the autumn leaves flutter to the ground and feeling the crisp chill in the air, I can’t help but reflect on the unique charm of November. It’s a month of transition, caught between the vibrant colors of fall and the stark beauty of winter. For me, November has always been a time of introspection, nostalgia, and anticipation.
Here, I’ve curated a list of 10 songs that, to me, embody the spirit of November. Each track tells a story, paints a picture, or evokes a feeling that resonates with this singular month.
Contents
- 1. “November” by Tyler, The Creator
- 2. “Sweet November” by SZA
- 3. “November Air” by Zach Bryan
- 4. “Mr. November” by The National
- 5. “November” by Tom Waits
- 6. “November Has Come” by Gorillaz Ft. MF DOOM
- 7. “last november” by Machine Gun Kelly
- 8. “November Spawned A Monster” by Morrissey
- 9. “8th Of November” by Big & Rich
- 10. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “November” by Tyler, The Creator
“November” is a track from Tyler, The Creator’s critically acclaimed album Flower Boy. The song delves into Tyler’s insecurities and fears regarding his life, career, and relationships. Through nostalgic reflection, he yearns to return to a simpler, happier time in his life, metaphorically represented by “November.” Tyler questions various aspects of his life, including his music’s reception, financial stability, and personal relationships, creating a vivid picture of his internal struggles. The chorus repeatedly asks to be taken back to November, symbolizing a desire to escape current anxieties and return to a more carefree period.
2. “Sweet November” by SZA
“Sweet November” by SZA, featured on her album Z, is a contemplative song that reflects on personal growth, spirituality, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics use rich imagery to convey a sense of maturity and the passage of time. SZA speaks of her struggles with faith, the importance of recognizing one’s past, and the impact of romantic relationships. The chorus emphasizes the desire to be remembered for her past self rather than her present, suggesting a longing for a time when she felt more authentic or understood. The song also touches on themes of freedom, fearlessness, and spiritual transcendence.
3. “November Air” by Zach Bryan
“November Air” by Zach Bryan is a reflective and nostalgic song that uses the metaphor of November air to explore themes of memory, family, and the passage of time. The song narrates the story of a man reminiscing about his mother and her life experiences. It highlights the bittersweet nature of memories, the impact of the mother’s perseverance, and the longing for her presence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator’s deep connection to his mother and the small-town life they shared. The song captures the warmth and resonance of past memories, making it a poignant reflection on familial bonds and the ephemeral nature of life.
4. “Mr. November” by The National
“Mr. November” is a powerful and emotionally charged song by The National from their album Alligator. The song features lead singer Matt Berninger’s deep, resonant voice and explores themes of pressure, ambition, and self-doubt. The lyrics describe a character who is determined not to fail, repeatedly asserting, “I won’t fuck us over, I’m Mr. November.” The song captures the tension between personal aspirations and the fear of letting others down. It also reflects on the passage of time and the changes that come with it, encapsulating a sense of urgency and determination to succeed despite overwhelming odds.
5. “November” by Tom Waits
“November” is a hauntingly atmospheric song by Tom Waits from his album The Black Rider. The track is characterized by its minimalist arrangement and evocative lyrics, which paint a bleak and somber picture of the month. The song’s imagery includes “a pile of dead leaves” and “a moon that’s the color of bone,” reflecting themes of decay, death, and the passage of time. Waits’ gravelly voice adds to the melancholic tone, creating a sense of desolation and introspection. The song captures the essence of November as a time of endings and reflection, devoid of warmth and light.
6. “November Has Come” by Gorillaz Ft. MF DOOM
“November Has Come” is the ninth track on Gorillaz’s second studio album Demon Days. Featuring the late MF DOOM, the song delves into the state of hip-hop and broader, more abstract themes such as the end of the world and the coming apocalypse. MF DOOM’s verses lament the decline of popular hip-hop, suggesting that its glory days have passed. Meanwhile, 2D’s chorus reflects a sense of impending finality, with the phrase “November has come” symbolizing the approach of an end, whether it be the end of the year or something more existential. The track combines a laid-back beat with thought-provoking lyrics, making it a standout piece in the album.
7. “last november” by Machine Gun Kelly
“last november” by Machine Gun Kelly is a deeply personal and emotional track from the deluxe version of his album Mainstream Sellout. The song is widely believed to address a miscarriage experienced by Kelly and his fiancée, Megan Fox. The lyrics reflect Kelly’s grief and sense of loss, with lines like “You didn’t wake up today / I didn’t get to see your face” and “I wish I could go back to November last year” expressing his sorrow and longing. The song’s release coincided with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, adding a layer of poignancy to its themes of loss and the impact of reproductive rights. “last november” serves as a raw and vulnerable expression of Kelly’s personal pain and the broader societal issues surrounding pregnancy loss.
8. “November Spawned A Monster” by Morrissey
“November Spawned A Monster” is a single by English singer Morrissey, released in April 1990. The song is known for its provocative lyrics and haunting melody, addressing the plight of individuals with disabilities and societal marginalization. Morrissey uses vivid and sometimes unsettling imagery to highlight the struggles and inner lives of those who are often overlooked or misunderstood by society. Lines like “A frame of useless limbs” and “Could you even bear to kiss her full on the mouth?” challenge listeners to confront their prejudices and empathy. The song’s title suggests a bleak and monstrous birth, metaphorically representing the harsh realities faced by the disabled. The track is both a social commentary and a call for greater compassion and understanding.
9. “8th Of November” by Big & Rich
“8th of November” is a song by American country music duo Big & Rich, released in May 2006 as part of their album Comin’ to Your City. The song tells the true story of Niles Harris, a soldier in the 173rd Airborne Brigade during Operation Hump in the Vietnam War on November 8, 1965. The narrative begins with a spoken introduction by Kris Kristofferson, setting the stage for a tale of bravery, loss, and survival. The song commemorates the soldiers who fought and died on that day, highlighting the heroism of Army medic Lawrence Joel, who became the first living African American to receive the Medal of Honor since the Spanish-American War. The emotional depth of the song is amplified by its poignant lyrics and somber melody, making it a powerful tribute to Vietnam veterans and their sacrifices.
10. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
“November Rain” is a power ballad by American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, released in February 1992 as the third single from their album Use Your Illusion I. Written by lead vocalist Axl Rose, the nearly nine-minute epic is known for its sweeping orchestral arrangement, emotive lyrics, and iconic guitar solos by Slash. The song explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, encapsulated in the metaphor of enduring the “cold November rain.” It reflects on the inevitability of change and the transient nature of relationships, with Axl Rose’s poignant lyrics urging resilience and hope despite life’s hardships. “November Rain” achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the band’s most enduring and beloved tracks.
Submit Your Song to This Playlist
Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.
Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.