Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: psych-rock
Song Meaning of “Last Leaves of Autumn” by Beth Orton
‘Last Leaves of Autumn’ by Beth Orton is an enchanting downtempo track exploring the acceptance of impermanence in life, through the metaphor of autumn leaves. The song reflects on the cycles of nature and life events, upon realizing that all things must come to an end with time. The narrator acknowledges the fleeting beauty of life: “The last leaves of autumn, won’t stay like they have come… Brighten up my darkness, till I know they’re done.” She ruminates upon the bittersweet realization that everything that is beautiful must eventually end, and recalls the beauty of the past when “insects swarm to kiss the dew… rainbows appear from brightened skies.” Despite begrudgingly facing the inevitable end of her past, the narrator is resilient as she looks ahead to the future: “Cause after the leaves of November, winter will soon be gone…A brand new day will be coming, and I’ll start to sing my song.” While painting a vivid picture of the changing of the seasons, the song encourages us to accept change and transition, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.