“Autumn Song” by Van Morrison is a richly poetic meditation on the beauty, nostalgia, and gentle introspection that autumn brings.
From the opening lines, Morrison paints a vivid picture of falling leaves, brown and dancing to the ground, a scene that immediately evokes change and transition. He invites the listener to “shut the door, dim the lights and relax,” suggesting that autumn is not just a season — it’s a mood, a slowing down of life’s pace to savor simple pleasures.
There’s a strong romantic and nostalgic undercurrent. References to chestnuts roasting, walking with a loved one in the crisp night air, the old accordion playing — these sensory moments convey warmth in the cold, companionship in solitude, and a bittersweet longing for what was or might be.
There are also hints of ritual and community — Halloween approaching, children at play, friends gathering. These elements remind that autumn isn’t just about internal reflection; it connects us with traditions, shared experiences, and cycles of life.
Musically, the song mirrors its theme: unhurried, drifting, with Van Morrison’s voice anchoring us through changing imagery and shifting emotions.
In sum, “Autumn Song” isn’t just a celebration of autumn’s sights or weather — it’s a reflective piece about time passing, beauty in impermanence, love, memory, and how the turning of seasons forces us to pause, breathe, and take in what often gets overlooked.
