As I sit here on my porch, watching the leaves begin their annual transformation from vibrant green to warm hues of red and gold, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. September has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a month of transitions, of new beginnings, and of bittersweet endings. The air grows crisp, school buses return to the streets, and there’s an undeniable shift in the atmosphere that speaks of change and possibility.
Here, I’ve curated a list of 15 songs that, to me, embody the spirit of September. Each track tells a story, paints a picture, or evokes an emotion that’s intrinsically linked to this time of year.
Contents
- 1. “September Gurls” by The Bangles
- 2. “September Song” by JP Cooper
- 3. “The Late September Dogs” by Melissa Etheridge
- 4. “Pale September” by Fiona Apple
- 5. “September Morn” by Neil Diamond
- 6. “September” by Daughtry
- 7. “September Grass” by James Taylor
- 8. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- 9. “September When I First Met You” by Barry White
- 10. “A Lonely September” by Plain White T’s
- 11. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
- 12. “The September Of My Years” by Frank Sinatra
- 13. “Come September” by Natalie Imbruglia
- 14. “See You In September” by The Happenings
- 15. “September When It Comes” by Rosanne Cash and Johnny Cash
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “September Gurls” by The Bangles
“September Gurls” is a cover of a song originally by Big Star, featured on The Bangles’ 1986 album Different Light. The song is a power-pop classic that captures the bittersweet essence of a summer romance coming to an end. The Bangles’ version maintains the jangly guitars and melodic hooks of the original while adding their signature harmonies. The lyrics reflect the nostalgic longing for a past love, with lines like “September gurls do so much” and “I loved you, well, never mind.”
2. “September Song” by JP Cooper
“September Song” by JP Cooper is a modern pop ballad that reminisces about a youthful romance. Released in 2016, the song became a hit in several countries due to its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. Cooper’s soulful voice conveys a sense of nostalgia and yearning as he sings about a love that was fleeting but unforgettable. The chorus, “Oh, we were bound to get together, bound to get together,” captures the inevitability and beauty of young love.
3. “The Late September Dogs” by Melissa Etheridge
“The Late September Dogs” is a track from Melissa Etheridge’s self-titled debut album, released in 1988. This song is a poignant rock ballad that showcases Etheridge’s powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. The lyrics describe a sense of foreboding and change, using the metaphor of dogs howling in late September to symbolize the end of a season and the beginning of something new. Etheridge’s raw, bluesy delivery adds depth to the song’s themes of loss and transition.
4. “Pale September” by Fiona Apple
“Pale September” is a track from Fiona Apple’s critically acclaimed 1996 debut album Tidal. The song is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that features Apple’s distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. “Pale September” explores themes of vulnerability and emotional turmoil, with Apple singing about the fragility of life and love. The song’s delicate piano arrangement and poignant lyrics create an atmosphere of melancholy and reflection, making it a standout track in her discography.
5. “September Morn” by Neil Diamond
“September Morn” is a romantic ballad released by Neil Diamond in 1979. The song reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It’s a poignant reflection on rekindling a past relationship, with lyrics that explore the possibility of reigniting an old flame. The song’s emotional core lies in its exploration of nostalgia and the enduring nature of love.
Diamond’s rich, warm vocals perfectly complement the song’s wistful tone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two former lovers reuniting, questioning if their feelings are still alive: “September morn / We danced until the night became a brand new day / Two lovers playing scenes from some romantic play”. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a staple at weddings and a favorite among Diamond’s extensive catalog.
6. “September” by Daughtry
Released in 2010 as the third single from Daughtry’s album “Leave This Town,” “September” is a nostalgic mid-tempo rock ballad. The song is deeply personal to Chris Daughtry, inspired by his childhood memories growing up with his brother in Lasker, North Carolina.
The lyrics reflect on the bittersweet nature of growing up and leaving one’s hometown: “Of all the things I still remember / Summer’s never looked the same / The years go by and time just seems to fly / But the memories remain”. The song’s emotional resonance is amplified by Daughtry’s powerful vocals and the band’s signature rock sound.
“September” achieved commercial success, reaching #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Daughtry’s eighth top-40 single. Its relatable themes of nostalgia and the passage of time have made it a fan favorite.
7. “September Grass” by James Taylor
“September Grass” is a gentle, introspective folk song by James Taylor, released in 2002. The song paints a vivid picture of lying in the grass with a loved one, feeling small yet secure in the vastness of nature. Taylor’s signature soft vocals and acoustic guitar work create a warm, intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s themes.
The lyrics are rich with imagery, comparing the couple to ants and exploring feelings of connection and contentment: “In September grass we’re lying side by side / It’s so big and wide / We’re ants on a tile floor”. The song captures the essence of a perfect moment in time, celebrating the simple joy of being present with someone you love.
8. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
“September” is an iconic funk and soul classic released by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978. Known for its upbeat tempo, catchy horn section, and the memorable “Ba-de-ya” refrain, the song has become one of the band’s most enduring hits. It reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and #8 on the Hot 100.
The song’s lyrics are celebratory and nostalgic, focusing on the joy of dancing and remembering good times: “Do you remember / The 21st night of September? / Love was changing the minds of pretenders / While chasing the clouds away”. Interestingly, the specific date (21st of September) was chosen simply because it sang well, not for any particular significance.
“September” has achieved lasting cultural impact, becoming a staple at parties and celebrations. It was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2018 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke happiness and nostalgia, making it a perfect addition to any playlist about September.
9. “September When I First Met You” by Barry White
Released in 1978 on Barry White’s album “The Man,” this romantic ballad is a soulful tribute to the beginning of a love story. The song’s lyrics reminisce about a significant encounter in September, using the month as a metaphor for the start of a beautiful relationship. White’s deep, velvety voice conveys the warmth and nostalgia associated with that special moment.
The song is particularly meaningful as it was inspired by White’s relationship with his wife, Glodean, whom he met in September. The lyrics emphasize the importance of cherishing the initial feelings of love and making every day feel like that first September encounter. With its lush orchestration and White’s signature smooth delivery, the song encapsulates the joy and excitement of new love.
10. “A Lonely September” by Plain White T’s
This melancholic track by the Plain White T’s captures the essence of loneliness and heartbreak associated with the month of September. The song’s narrator expresses feelings of isolation and attempts to distract himself from thoughts of a lost love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone struggling to move on, with lines like “I’m sitting here all by myself / Just trying to think of something to do”.
The song’s emotional resonance comes from its relatable portrayal of post-breakup blues, set against the backdrop of September – a month often associated with change and new beginnings. The Plain White T’s blend their characteristic pop-rock sound with introspective lyrics to create a poignant anthem for those experiencing heartache.
11. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
One of Green Day’s most iconic songs, “Wake Me Up When September Ends” was released in 2005 as part of their “American Idiot” album. Despite its widespread popularity, the song has deeply personal origins. Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong wrote it as a tribute to his father, who passed away from cancer in September 1982 when Armstrong was just 10 years old.
The song’s lyrics reflect on loss, the passage of time, and the inability to escape painful memories. Its title comes from Armstrong’s reported response to his mother after his father’s funeral, when he locked himself in his room and said, “Wake me up when September ends.” The song’s emotional power and universal themes of grief and healing have made it resonate with audiences worldwide, often being associated with various tragedies and losses beyond its original context.
12. “The September Of My Years” by Frank Sinatra
Released in 1965 as the title track of Sinatra’s album, “The September Of My Years” is a poignant reflection on aging and life’s journey. The song, composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Sammy Cahn, uses September as a metaphor for the later years of life. Sinatra, who was approaching 50 at the time of recording, delivers a heartfelt performance that captures the bittersweet nature of looking back on one’s life.
The album as a whole, including this song, explores themes of nostalgia, self-reflection, and the wisdom gained with age. “The September Of My Years” showcases Sinatra’s mature vocals and interpretative skills, backed by Gordon Jenkins’ lush orchestral arrangements. The song and album were critically acclaimed, with the album winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1966.
13. “Come September” by Natalie Imbruglia
“Come September” is a track from Natalie Imbruglia’s 2001 album White Lilies Island. The song is a poignant reflection on change, healing, and the passage of time. Imbruglia’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and transformation, with September symbolizing a period of renewal and hope. The song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone is captured in lines like “Everything wrong / Gonna be alright / Come September.”
Musically, “Come September” features Imbruglia’s signature pop-rock sound, with a blend of acoustic and electric elements that create a rich, emotive atmosphere. The song’s narrative follows a character who is dealing with loss and searching for solace, ultimately finding a sense of peace as the month of September arrives. Imbruglia’s expressive vocals and the song’s introspective lyrics make it a standout track on the album.
14. “See You In September” by The Happenings
“See You In September” is a classic pop song that was first recorded by the Tempos in 1959 and later popularized by The Happenings in 1966. The Happenings’ version, produced by Bob Crewe, became a major hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving Gold status for selling a million units. The song captures the essence of a summer romance coming to a temporary end, with the promise of reuniting in September.
The lyrics express the bittersweet emotions of parting and the anticipation of being together again: “I’ll be alone each and every night / While you’re away, don’t forget to write / See you in September.” The Happenings’ upbeat arrangement, featuring lush harmonies and a catchy melody, adds a sense of optimism to the song’s theme of longing and separation. This timeless track remains a beloved staple of the 1960s pop era.
15. “September When It Comes” by Rosanne Cash and Johnny Cash
“September When It Comes” is a deeply moving duet by Rosanne Cash and her father, Johnny Cash, released in 2003 on Rosanne’s album Rules of Travel. The song, co-written by Rosanne and her husband John Leventhal, reflects on themes of mortality, legacy, and the passage of time. It was the last song Rosanne recorded with her father before his death later that year, adding a profound layer of poignancy to the track.
The lyrics are a heartfelt meditation on life and death, with Rosanne and Johnny each taking turns to share their reflections. Rosanne sings about her own journey and memories, while Johnny’s verses accept the inevitability of aging and his readiness to reunite with loved ones in the afterlife: “I plan to crawl outside these walls / Close my eyes and see / And fall into the heart and arms / Of those who wait for me.”
The song’s gentle acoustic arrangement and the emotional weight of the father-daughter duet make “September When It Comes” a powerful and touching piece. It serves as a fitting tribute to Johnny Cash’s legacy and the enduring bond between him and his daughter.
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.