Fall is finally upon us here in Clinton, marking the beautiful transition from the hot, sunny days of summer to the moody, chilly days of autumn. This shift in atmosphere invites a change in our music as well—one that enhances the autumnal, and sometimes melancholic feel of the season as the days grow shorter and darker. Some of us might queue up Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well,” while others turn to tracks by The Smiths, or try to lift their spirits with classic pop. Whatever your vibe may be, consider adding a few new songs to your playlist that capture the essence of fall and serve as the perfect soundtrack to your season here at Hamilton.
Following the melancholy theme, another song to consider this winter is “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” by British indie rock band The Smiths on their 1984 album, Hatful of Hollow. The Smiths are known for their moody, introspective lyrics, and this track is no exception. This song stands out because of its short duration and the lengthy title. The song highlights Morrissey, lead singer of the band, pining to get what he wants after facing repeated disappointments. The lyrics are painfully relatable: “See, the life I’ve had can make a good man bad.” This simple, yet perfectly vulnerable song, has an intense instrumental that can hook about anyone. Listen and become utterly immersed in the beauty of The Smiths on a moody fall day.
Another striking and emotive song is “Dream Brother” by the gifted Jeff Buckley, on his first and only 1994 album, Grace. Upon the first listen, this song sticks out as a lyrical layered piece, while the haunting instrumental aligns perfectly with the touching subject of the song. This track delves deep into Buckley’s life, warning a friend who is about to have a child not to abandon him. This song captures reflections of Buckley’s own feelings towards his father, who left him as an infant. Although the song features heartbreaking lyrics warning “Don’t be like the one who made me so old, Don’t be like the one who left behind his name…” This song is worth a listen due to its captivating sound and intense lyrics, which may leave you feeling inspired and moved.
A more upbeat and heartwarming song perfect for the season is “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees, released in 1977. This bubbly and catchy piece encapsulates the feeling of love, in any form, and the harmonic element makes this song almost impossible to not sing along to. The lyrics illustrate the feelings of being hopelessly in love—“Cause we’re living in a world of fools breaking us down when they all should let us be… We belong to you and me.” While we might not all relate to this song, the feeling of heartfelt happiness and the energetic spirit is almost contagious when listening to this track.
For a more calming and neutral mood, consider listening to “The Only Living Boy in New York” by the infamous Simon & Garfunkel featured on their 1970 album, Bridge Over Troubled Water. This tranquil and soothing song delves into the feeling of loneliness, but also explores the realization that you need only yourself to maintain happiness. The airy, layered vocals and surround-sound feel of the song beautifully capture the feeling of leaves falling from a tree. The lyrics offer optimistic perspectives on daily life, such as “I’ve got nothing to do today but smile,” making it the perfect song to listen to during the challenging, cooler days of autumn.
Fall provides many of us with new opportunities and seasonal favorites, such as taking beautiful walks in the glen and munching on apple cider donuts. But the fall season also means the harsh, cold winter is on its way—and with it, the second half of the semester, filled with homework, exams, and papers. Music can offer a safe space to escape reality or even enhance it. Consider adding tracks like this to your playlist for a season filled with music, reflection and warmth. Let’s look forward to finishing a captivating fall, accompanied by music that truly embody the essence of autumn on the hill.
