Most of us are lucky to live in places that have all four seasons—autumn, winter, spring, and summer. People will agree that there is something special about each of these. In fact, poets and music artists pen songs to celebrate the seasons.
Songwriters often use it in their lyrics, whether literal or metaphorical. Here, we have our selection of 13 of the best songs about seasons. We’re confident you’ll find something on this list that you haven’t heard of before. Read on to learn what they are!
1. “Turn Turn Turn” By The Byrds
Written by songwriter Pete Seeger, this international hit has become a classic folk anthem. Seeger first recorded it in the ’50s, and other adaptations by different artists followed.
However, the Byrds made it famous with their performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Afterward, it shot to stardom in both the United States and the UK.
Notably, “Turn Turn Turn” does not talk about any of the four yearly seasons. However, it pertains to the seasons of life that many people go through.
The lyrics came from the third chapter of the Bible’s book of Ecclesiastes. It talks about a time for everything, including such extremes as love and hate and war and peace. A circular pattern in the music reflects the Earth spinning on its axis amidst changes.
2. “Seasons” By Maroon 5
If you want a song that is evocative of all kinds of weather, listen to Maroon 5’s “Seasons.” It is filled with imagery of the seasons and various elements of the outdoors. The band sings of sunshine and moonlight and rivers and stars. These are what make a chill vibe perfect for listening to on a bonfire night.
As you listen to the song, you will notice how the lyrical narrator trips quickly through his words. He uses rhyming and rhythm to create a pattern of rap and melody intertwined.
Though the song’s message is one of regret, it also reflects hope. He reminisces on a past love and wonders if it can be salvaged after the heartbreak.
3. “A Little More Summertime” By Jason Aldean
A country song and seasons seem to be a perfect combination. Case in point, “A Little More Summertime” by Jason Aldean. This is just the perfect ode to the shifting of seasons.
Listen closely to the lyrics. References to the sky and ocean waves illustrate the vocalist’s memories. He is anxious that summer is coming to a close because that means his summer romance will also fade. He expresses regret that he doesn’t have more days of the season left so he can continue to spend time with her.
In the music video, we see a montage of the many times he shared with his sweetheart, particularly on the beaches of California before autumn rolled in. And the mid-tempo ballad is just right for the sentiment of this song.
Related: For more songs about the summer, check out our post here.
4. “Winter Song” By Sara Bareilles And Ingrid Michaelson
On the other end of the seasonal spectrum is this cold and intimate melody. “Winter Song” is a collaboration between two female pop powerhouses: Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. Their voices meld together in warm tones sure to melt the icy winter chill.
Unfortunately, the freeze is one they might not be able to overcome. The lyrics tell a story of lovers separated by time and distance. They wonder if their feelings for each other are still alive. A heart-wrenching piano rhythm and supportive cello lines contribute to emotional pathos.
This song climbed the charts in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. It’s thought of as a Christmas song; however, there’s no specific reference to the holidays in the message.
5. “Seasons In The Sun” By Westlife
The seasons get the boy-band treatment in this power ballad. Westlife’s “Seasons in the Sun” was written by Terry Jack and was first released in the 1970s. Since then, various artists have recorded this song a dozen times. That includes the Fortunes, Nirvana, and Irish and Spanish artists.
This is another song that does not specifically refer to any of the four seasons of the year. It is about all the ups and downs of life. Listening to the lyrics, you will notice that the words look backward. It talks about the past times spent together with friends, family, and sweethearts.
The song also alternates between good moments and troubling times. It effectively creates a mixed tapestry of memories. Also, there are references to death. They hint that the narrator is enjoying the last hours of his life and reminiscing on how he lived.
6. “Cold Weather Blues” By Muddy Waters
Sad lyrics and a haunting play of acoustic guitar make Muddy Water’s song memorable. “Cold Weather Blues” appeared on his 1964 album Folk Singer. The tune is slow and sparse, offering only a lonely guitar line in addition to the occasional vocals.
The lyrics are open to different interpretations. One way to look at it is from the view of someone who leaves a girl up north and whose company he misses.
Notice, though, that the cold weather is not a metaphor for the chill of lost love. The lyrics seem to talk about actual migration from north to south. Specifically, Waters sings that it’s time to migrate and ride out the chilly weather.
7. “The Boys Of Summer” By Don Henley
A familiar sound of the ’80s, Don Henley’s beach-themed tune is lush and bittersweet. He shares images of the girl he loves as they enjoy each other’s company during the summer months.
The implication is that they separate after the season is over. Still, he professes his devotion, saying he will remain there for her after she tires of other seasonal lovers.
In 2003, the punk-rock band Ataris added their unique flavor to this tune. They sped up the tempo and turned Henley’s soft vocals into a passionate, screaming plea. Including “Boys of Summer” on their debut album, So Long Astoria, helped introduce the song to a new generation.
8. “It Might As Well Be Spring” By Jeanne Crain
This Broadway staple from the early 1940s is as innocent as the era was in movies. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein wrote the song for the musical film State Fair.
The movie features the Frake family bound for the state fair. This gathering is usually held in summer or autumn. But for the family’s teenage daughter, Margy, “it might as well be spring.”
Spring is used here as a metaphor for vibrant energy and the opportunity for growth, and maybe even love. You will enjoy this classic as it has all the orchestral lushness and string texture a stage musical fan could want.
9. “Summer Moved On” By A-Ha
Let us go back to the year 2000 when Norwegian band A-Ha brought melancholia with “Summer Moved On.” This catchy mid-tempo hit is a bittersweet mixture of acceptance and regret for the emo-pop fan.
Symphonic lines and a flamenco-style guitar provide the texture of this moody ballad. And the lead singer belts his customary falsetto on the chorus, which alternates with a lower-key verse.
As if to prove that this indeed is a sad song, the lyrics talk about things that are outside of our control. It’s about seasons of relationships, even friendships, that wax and wane with time.
10. “September Grass” By James Taylor
If your voice is “a warm fireplace, a pair of your favorite slippers and an amaretto bubble bath,” I’d love to hear it too. That’s how James Taylor’s voice is, according to this article.
No doubt about it, as you can hear from “September Grass.” From his 2002 studio album, October Road, the tune is the lovely brand of acoustic folk rock we’ve come to love from Taylor. It’s orchestrated with just a guitar, a light drum-set rhythm, and soft background vocals on the chorus.
The lyrics use apple wine and autumn landscapes to portray the changing seasons. Of course, it’s not only about the weather but also a parallel to human relationships fading out organically after they’ve had their time in the sun.
11. “Seasons (Waiting On You)” By Future Islands
It can be frustrating to wait for someone to change. Future Islands knows as much in their single “Seasons (Waiting On You).”
It is about one’s frustration with his love to make up her mind about their relationship. In fact, it appears that he may be ready to move on from her. The bubbly, forward-facing rhythm seems at odds with the emotion in his voice and in the lyrics.
Though this song came out in 2014, there are some serious ’80s throwback vibes here. Electric synth sounds and canned percussion give it a timeless sound. It’s like the sentiment present: make up your mind, or let’s give up and call off this thing we’re doing.
12. “Spring Snow” By Vampire Weekend
More cool electronica vibes abound in this chill indie tune from 2019. Vampire Weekend’s “Spring Snow,” from their album Father of the Bride, features groovy beats, hard-thumping piano chords, and an acrobatic vocal line that wind around all kinds of special effects in the production.
Lyrics-wise, the song addresses a relationship that’s ready to move from one phase to another. It’s not clear if the narrator is encouraging it to progress forward or call it quits. Either way, at least there’s a funky modern song to listen to in the meantime.
13. “Seasons Change” By Exposé
From the songs earlier in this list, we know seasons can be about ups and downs, happiness and sadness. We’ll conclude with another sad song and how seasons reflect the changes in relationships.
American girl group Exposé is behind “Seasons Change.” In fact, it is their biggest hit to date. It is a passionate cry for mending a connection between lovers after it’s fallen into disrepair.
The song acknowledges that people change, just like seasons do. And though love is fading away, there’s always the thought of reconciling with an ex-beau.
Winds blowing and a saxophone add just the right emotional textures to this underrated hit. It should be on the playlist of anyone who regrets losing the love of someone special to them.
Summing Up Our List Of Songs About Seasons
From the list above, you’ve seen that seasons reflect the changes people go through. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, it’s a guarantee that the current season won’t last forever.
It is a cycle that brings changes. Enjoy the season you’re currently in, and when the time comes for a change, embrace it. You never know what surprises life has just around the corner!
We hope you found some new songs you like on our list. It is not comprehensive, so if you think we missed a song, let us know so we can include it.
