The air is colder, the days are shorter and the skies are getting more gray by the second. We have officially entered November, the season of oversized sweaters, cozy blankets and rainy, chilly days. November is one of my favorite months, a time between my two favorite holidays, Halloween and Christmas. However, the cold air and gross weather can definitely affect your mood. That is where ‘sad girl autumn’ comes in, a term describing the seasonal sadness of the fall months. I have curated the ultimate sad girl autumn playlist, perfect for embracing even the saddest of emotions this November.
“All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version)”- Taylor Swift
Of course, I had to include this song, it’s literally in the title. “All Too Well” is one of Taylor Swift’s most popular songs, especially after she released the ten minute version on “Red (Taylor’s Version)” in 2021. The “Sad Girl Autumn” version is an emotional masterpiece filled with anger, despair and all the fall vibes. This song is rumored to be about Swift’s ex, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the painful memories that came with their relationship. The gentle piano and soft vocals makes this song gut-wrenchingly beautiful and painful. All ten minutes are worth a listen, trust me.
“Moon Song”- Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers is the musical symbol for ‘sad girl autumn.’ I could make this entire list filled with her songs, but ultimately I decided on “Moon Song,” off Bridger’s “Punisher” album released in 2020. This slow and delicate song is about the loneliness of loving someone more than they love you. I think it captures a particular kind of sadness that isn’t loud or dramatic, it’s soft and consuming. It’s one of my favorites from Bridgers, but I also recommend any of her other songs if you want that sad feel.
“Back to the Old House”- The Smiths
Yes The Smiths are an all-male group, but I will allow them onto the ‘sad girl autumn’ list. Anyone can be a sad girl if they want to and The Smiths have many perfect songs for the occasion. “Back to the Old House,” released in 1984, is about longing for the past and looking back on childhood regret. It is the kind of song that lingers in your brain and is perfect for anyone who wants to get into their feels this November.
“Doomsday”- Lizzie McAlpine
This next song is another great choice for the sad girls. This song, off Lizzy McAlpine’s “five seconds flat,” album describes the painful end to a toxic relationship. The song opens up softly and continues to build up into a huge bridge of pain and suffering. McAlpine sings about feeling trapped and doomed, with beautiful vocals and an echoing piano. I definitely think this song captures the essence of ‘sad girl autumn.’
“Work Song”- Hozier
Hozier is honestly the ultimate sad girl. “Work Song,” released in 2014, is a good example of this. This song is about a romantic love viewed through a lens of hardship and devotion. Hozier’s strong, soulful voice matched with a haunting rhythm allows for a perfect ‘sad girl autumn’ anthem. “Work Song” is a gentle reminder that love and sorrow often coincide, and Hozier brings that emotion into this beautifully written song.
“Cinnamon Girl”- Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey is also a great artist to listen to if you want to have a ‘sad girl autumn.’ A lot of her songs have a more summertime feel, but there are definitely some fall ones, like “Cinnamon Girl.” This song is about someone falling in love in an additive and toxic way. Lana sings about living with someone who can’t love her in the same way. The song is sweet, calm and fragile, perfect for someone in their feelings. It’s perfect for a quiet evening at home with soft rain in the background and the fireplace in the living room. Very cozy, sad girl vibes.
“Nothing New”- Taylor Swift (featuring Phoebe Bridgers)
My last pick combines the first two artists I talked about: Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers. “Nothing New,” released on Swift’s “Red (Taylor’s Version)” album, is the perfect sad girl song. This devastating song is about the fear of aging and things changing around you. “How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22,” is a genius lyric that a lot of college students can relate to. Swift and Bridgers blend their voices perfectly together, creating a gentle and tender ‘sad girl autumn’ hit.
Now that ‘sad girl autumn’ is in full swing, I hope these song recommendations find you well. Happy listening and I wish you a wonderful November! (hopefully not too sad)
