After what felt like years of waiting, we’re finally deep into sad girl autumn. I’m a sucker for summer’s warm weather, but I’m currently appreciating the lightness in the air on my daily hot girl walks. Autumn doesn’t have to be completely depressing—there’s a way to lean into the melancholy of the season. My secret to getting through (and enjoying) sad girl autumn is, of course, music. In the wake of Brat summer, it’s time to add some slower sounds to my playlists this fall.
As a certified sad girl during fall, I tap into my two passions—astrology and music—to channel the essence of the season to its fullest potential. With the eclipse season in full swing, each zodiac sign will experience this fall differently. Each sign’s fall horoscopes hint at an overall shift, from big life changes to a much-needed slow in pace. Read on to see which song is your zodiac sign’s sad girl autumn anthem.
Aries
Aries signs are known for their fiery personalities, and this fall, they’ll feel as bold as ever. This season, one of the full moons will be in Aries, hinting that this sign will receive some much-needed clarity. Whether at work or in their personal relationships, Aries will need to trust themselves and step out of the box, just like Lizzy McApline always does. Doomsday is jam-packed with chill yet commanding transformative vibes that suggest letting go of a relationship gone wrong. With this track, Lizzy will have Aries feeling like Doomsday has passed until winter.
Taurus
Taurus’ calendars are always full, so this sign should utilize the quietude of fall for a much-deserved break. making the bed embodies the stubbornness for which Taurus is infamous. In this song, Olivia Rodrigo looks back on the hurt she endured at her own hands after staying in a relationship that wasn’t serving her. With the fast-paced season of summer long behind us, Taurus should listen to making the bed whenever they’re feeling stuck or frustrated this fall.
Gemini
It’s time for Gemini to embrace their really sad girl side this fall. Known for their self-assurance and unpredictability, this sign should tap into their vulnerability with this song. In Fade Into You, Mazzy Star goes back and forth between choosing to let someone go or prioritize herself. This song has a rhythmic yet upbeat tempo that masks its true vulnerability—just like a complex Gemini would. Mazzy Star recognizes that she has to pick herself at the end of the day, with this lyric standing out as so Gemini: “I look to you and I see nothing / I look to you to see the truth.”
Cancer
Cancer signs are typically always in tune with their emotions, and this autumn is the perfect time for them to channel any built-up downhearted energy into music. This song encapsulates that and much more as Ethel Cain references her religious upbringing across the fictional storytelling of her groundbreaking album Preacher’s Daughter. The song is rather haunting, as Ethel puts her modern spin on the dark subject matter. Even if Cancers can’t resonate with the content of the song, they’ll definitely appreciate the dark, moody energy of Family Tree.
Leo
Fall is full of change, and there’s no time like now for Leo to mourn the loss of summer. Shifting out of their prime time, loml from The Tortured Poet’s Department is the perfect song to mourn the season and get ready for what’s to come. From time to time, sitting in solace and reminiscing on past memories is much-needed, especially for Leo as the sun shifts out of this sign’s spotlight. Taylor’s lyrics encapsulate the idea of loving and not wanting to let go so clearly, there’s no doubt that every Leo added this track onto their autumn playlist as the dramatic yet emotional sign they are.
Virgo
For Virgos, it can be difficult to immerse themselves in sad girl autumn. Instead of focusing on the complexities of life, Virgo tends to stay grounded. Sure, fall includes Virgo season, but this sign can struggle to trade practicality with vulnerability. Thank You off of Clairo’s most recent album, Charm, blends those sentiments seamlessly while still maintaining Virgo’s strength and admitting their deeper insecurities. In this song, Clairo sings about being thankful for a former lover, even though their time together has ended—perfect for a Virgo who’s reminiscing.
Libra
One of the most charming signs of the zodiac, Libras are inherently kind and loving. While Libra prioritizes balance this fall, the season brings in a sense of certainty akin to How to disappear by Lana Del Rey. Libra’s are all about finding balance this sad girl autumn, and while they acknowledge the gloom that comes with this time of the year, they embrace it. This song is about accepting the world’s faults while maintaining Libra’s inherent warmth. While they may not be marrying alligator tour guides this fall, Libras will definitely be blasting Lana.
Scorpio
Autumn includes spooky Scorpio season, so it’s safe to say this sign is ready to flourish during their moody month in the sun. Like Lorde, Scorpios are timeless, and even with another year passing, they invite the attention that comes during their birthday month. In Ribs, Lorde admits her fears of getting older in the lyrics of this song, while the tempo conveys the dread that comes along with the season. The upbeat tempo exudes the poise of a true Scorpio who is capable of fully embracing the emotional ups and downs of autumn.
Sagittarius
Fun-loving on the outside, Sagittarius has a gloomy side that they don’t show to just anyone. Halloween by Phoebe Bridgers is the perfect anthem for a Sagittarius to turn on and get deep into their emotions on shorter fall days. Whether they’re getting over an ex or need a quick moody vibe before it’s time to face the demands of everyday life, this song is one that Sagittarius will definitely want to add to their fall playlist. Plus, nobody quite does sad girl autumn like Phoebe Bridgers.
Capricorn
The hardworking Capricorn needs to slow down and take a breath this fall. It can be hard to get this sign to slow down, but it’s much needed after a busy, jam-packed summer. Like Charli xcx, Capricorn signs were everywhere this past season, but now it’s time to take a break and relax while looking forward to the future. Capricorns are known for their resilient personalities, but it’s good to feel those feelings every now and then and let your sensitive side come through. So I is Charli’s tribute to fellow artist SOPHIE, and it’s a powerful ballad about grief, which is exactly in line with the autumn spirit.
Aquarius
Ever-eclectic Aquarius signs are beloved for their creative personalities. However, Aquarius signs are also incredibly independent, leading them to detach from those closest to them. beabadoobee is a great artist for this sign who craves closeness but sometimes doesn’t know how to ask for it. Sad girl autumn doesn’t have to be defined by melancholic ballads, and the upbeat but sentimental song the perfect pair is the perfect example of that.
Pisces
Fall kicked off with a Lunar eclipse in this sign, so it’s the season of change for Pisces. Known as one of the most emotional zodiac signs of all, Gracie Abrams’ lyrics in Augusta will offer a helping hand to a Pisces deep in their feelings. This song is all about the aching heartbreak of feeling lost in your life. Pisces signs are no strangers to feeling all of their emotions deeply, and fall is a great time to work through any lingering resentment in their hearts.
