We're not saying we play favorites with the seasons, but as winter winds down, all we can think about is spring! The world instantly feels brighter with clear skies and blooming flowers, and the second we can swap out heavy layers for breezy spring dresses, we're ready to take on anything. All that's missing? A playlist packed with the best spring songs. Because if there's one thing that can boost the mood even more, it's the perfect soundtrack for the season!
Much like our favorite spring movies, these tunes will make you feel like you're turning the page on winter. Some are explicitly all about the season, while others simply capture the fresh, lighthearted feeling of spring. And with lyrics full of bright, blooming metaphors, a few of them might even make you want to twirl through a flower-filled field. Take "Butterflies" by Kacey Musgraves, a love song that perfectly embodies the excitement of starting over, or "April in Paris" by Count Basie, an upbeat jazz tune that wordlessly captures the magic of a warm spring day. Now's the time to refresh your playlist with a mix of jazz, pop, and country hits.
From the moment that iconic bassline kicks in, you know you're in for a mood boost. Withers' smooth voice and easygoing lyrics make this the perfect soundtrack for a sun-kissed afternoon.
What's more spring-like than flowers? This empowering chart-topper is about growth, independence, and stepping into something new—just like the season itself!
This song has spring energy written all over it. With a catchy melody and carefree vibe, it feels like it was made for warm afternoons and that fresh-start feeling. No wonder it's so popular on TikTok! (Plus, the music video is guaranteed to put you in a good mood.)
This laid-back, feel-good hit is all about embracing the little joys in life. With its breezy tune and lyrics like "Feeling good, like I should," it’s basically bottled sunshine in song form.
This song is all about optimism and new beginnings, which is exactly what spring is all about. Plus, it's ridiculously catchy. Just try not to sing along by the time the chorus hits—you can't!
If your shoulders don't immediately sway when this classic comes on, something is clearly wrong! Blue skies are ahead folks, and we have Johnny Nash to keep accountable for that.
Listening to "Spring Vacation" while on an actual spring vacation has been added to our bucket list. 😂 The Beach Boys sure know how to harmonize, which honestly is what our spring months need going forward.
Any Coldplay fans out there? Their song "Up With the Birds" is one of the most hopeful and optimistic things we've ever heard. The combination of cheerful lyrics and the enchanting string of instruments in the background has us feeling like we're floating right into the warmer season.
No playlist is complete without a little Frank Sinatra! He talks about spring fever, which honestly, is the best kind of fever to have in our opinion! All we want is to be lazy, in love, and... warm!
"Though April showers may come your way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May." Is that not the entire point of spring? Bing Crosby reminds us that no matter how rainy your days are, a bright spring day is waiting for you ahead.
A true country queen, Kacey's gorgeous storytelling is at its most honest with "Butterflies." The song captures the giddiness of new love in all its delicacy and vibrance through a serene and lightweight groove.
This essential Beatles track from the '60s is all about welcoming the sun after a "long, cold, lonely winter." When that first deep, warm day breaks through, "Here Comes The Sun" is the bop to help you celebrate.
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"You're the One That I Want" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
The final song in Grease is bound to remind you of the last few months of school and the pure, excited anticipation of the coming summer. John and Olivia's duet is the upbeat jam to get you skipping to work.
Slow things down and enjoy the contemplative power of Simon and Garfunkel. Paul Simon's simple yet poetic lyrics compare the inevitable changing seasons to the fickle affections of his lover.
As was already noted, Count Basie doesn't need words to capture the sensation of strolling through the City of Light in that first warm month. The master jazz musician and his orchestra let their lively music take you on a journey.
In case you missed it—the internet is rife with posts about this song in May. Why? Because it sounds like Justin Timberlake is singing "May" instead of "me," which has turned it into an unofficial song of the springtime month.
Spring is the season for getting lost in a daydream. How can anyone expect you not to gaze longing out the window at the newly inviting weather?! This song has a lighthearted tune that makes you want to whistle along.
If you were around for music in the 2000s, this song led you from spring into summer. The birds have returned, kids are out playing Double Dutch on the concrete, and Rae's telling the girls it's time to let their hair down.
"Go Where You Wanna Go" may not be a specific season, but it has one heck of a light and upbeat springy tune! The melody is so chipper, it may distract you from the fact that the singer is talking about her man who just goes where he wants to go and does what he wants to do.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.