The 9 Best ‘September’ Songs, From Earth, Wind & Fire to Green Day (Staff Picks)

As far as months go, September takes on a lot of meaning.

The link between the end of summer’s dog days and the beginning of autumn’s embrace, it marks a distinct period of transition for many of us each year.

It’s no surprise, then, that a number of different artists have had something to say about the ninth month on our calendars.

For many of them — whether it’s James Taylor, Daughtry or, of course, Earth, Wind & Fire — September represents nostalgia, reflection and memories as vivid as the fall leaves soon will be.

For others, it’s a time to look forward, such as on the lyrics of Frank Sinatra’s ode to aging, “The September of My Years,” while others might prefer to skip the month entirely, like on Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” written about the death of frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s father.

“I think it’s something that just stayed with me — the month of September always being that anniversary,” he told Howard Stern in 2019.

“When things happen like that when you’re that young, it’s almost like life starts at year zero.” So as the final third of the year gets underway, Billboard is making a list of our favorite tracks, named after, inspired by and dedicated to September.

No matter what month No.

9 means to you, be it beginnings, endings or something else entirely, there’s something here for you to put on repeat for the next 30 days.

Check out the best September songs by Fiona Apple, Neil Diamond, Dinah Washington and more below.