[2025 Edition] A roundup of popular and classic Western songs to listen to in September

Leaves That Are GreenPaul Simon

Leaves That Are Green

When it comes to Paul Simon songs to listen to in September, the go-to has to be “Leaves That Are Green.” It’s a track he also released with the duo he was part of, Simon & Garfunkel.

Originally it came out as a solo release, but because sales were underwhelming, it was later released under the Simon & Garfunkel name as well.

Set against the backdrop of the seasonal shift from summer to autumn, the song portrays heartbreak, with a melody and lyrics steeped in a deep sense of melancholy.

If you’re interested, why not check out the Japanese translation too?

Who Are WePlàsi

Plàsi – Who Are We (with lyrics)

A September-friendly sing-along song performed with simple vocals and just an acoustic guitar.

Plashi—real name Mikael Vizirakis—was born on Crete to a Greek father and a Swedish mother.

After attending the Litmus School of Music, he continued his studies in Stockholm, Milan, and Vienna, dedicating himself to songwriting.

His stage name comes from an Ancient Greek word for creation, and he draws inspiration from folk and acoustic musicians such as José González, Passenger, and The Tallest Man on Earth.

Hey JudeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Hey Jude

September is a gentle season, but it’s also a time when people can feel down.

For anyone feeling that way, I recommend the classic “Hey Jude.” Released in 1968, it’s a Beatles masterpiece that’s very well known in Japan too.

The lyrics depict someone named Jude who’s feeling low, and offer him warm, encouraging words to lift him up.

By the way, the song was written by Paul McCartney for Julian, his son, who inspired it.

Autumn LeavesEd Sheeran

Autumn Leaves (Deluxe Edition)

Ed Sheeran’s classic, “Autumn Leaves.” There’s a jazz standard with the same title, but this is a completely different song—a pop track released in 2011.

As the title suggests, it’s themed around autumn, and the lyrics liken heartbreak to leaves falling in the fall.

It’s pop, so it’s extremely easy to listen to, yet it still carries a strong sense of melancholy.

It’s a gem—be sure to check it out.

On Top Of The WorldImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – On Top Of The World (Official Music Video)

One of my favorite songs of theirs that makes me feel happy.

The fact that they can create such an uplifting track with such a light, breezy sound—they really are amazing! Even when summer is over, the party’s just getting started! It’s the kind of song that makes you think, “Let’s keep the energy up and have fun!”

Late September DogsMelissa Etheridge

The Late September Dogs (Live At The Roxy)

Melissa Etheridge, who has won numerous music awards.

When it comes to songs you want to hear in the fall, isn’t “The Late September Dogs” the one? The title literally means something like “the dogs of late September.” The song is set in September and portrays the feelings of someone enduring sorrow.

Dogs appear in the lyrics, and they can be interpreted as a metaphor for the protagonist.

Why not give it a listen while letting your imagination roam?

Purity (ft. Frank Ocean)A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky – Purity (Official Audio) ft. Frank Ocean

A$AP Rocky, a rapper who rose to popularity in the 2010s.

His fame at the time was tremendous, and he was also highly regarded as a model, actor, and music producer.

Among his works, a song I especially recommend for September is Purity (ft.

Frank Ocean).

The lyrics, which portray the regret and anguish of losing or being separated from people close to him each time he releases new music and gains more fame, perfectly match the fleeting, wistful atmosphere of September at summer’s end.