As winter fades and spring arrives with the March equinox, nature awakens to celebrate renewal and transformation across cultures worldwide. Celebrated as Nowruz in Persian traditions and recognized as the vernal equinox globally, this astronomical event has inspired musicians to create anthems of rebirth, hope, and new beginnings. Whether you’re planning a Nowruz celebration or simply welcoming the changing season, these carefully selected songs capture the essence of spring’s arrival and the promise of fresh starts that make this time of year so special.
Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
George Harrison’s timeless “Here Comes the Sun” remains the quintessential anthem for welcoming spring and the March equinox, written during a particularly dreary English winter that made the arrival of longer days feel like salvation. The acoustic guitar-driven masterpiece captures the relief and optimism that accompanies warmer weather, resonating deeply with equinox themes of light overcoming darkness. Harrison’s gentle vocals and the song’s gradually building arrangement mirror the slow but certain arrival of spring, making it a universal anthem for renewal that transcends cultural boundaries and remains as relevant today as it was in 1969.
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
Released in January 2024, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” became one of the year’s biggest hits with its soulful reflection on gratitude for life’s precious moments, making it perfect for Nowruz’s themes of appreciation and new beginnings. The pop-rock ballad features Boone’s emotive vocals as he contemplates the fragility of happiness and the fear of losing what we cherish most, themes that resonate with the reflective nature of seasonal transitions. With over 130 million TikTok views before its official release and a memorable Grammy performance that showcased Boone’s vocal prowess, this track represents how contemporary artists continue to create music that connects with timeless themes of renewal and gratitude.
Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s infectious “Espresso” took the world by storm in April 2024, becoming the song of the summer with its upbeat rhythm and playful lyrics about confidence and self-love that align perfectly with spring’s energizing spirit. The funk-pop track topped charts in over 20 countries and became the most-tagged song globally on Shazam in 2024, demonstrating its universal appeal for celebrations and fresh starts. Carpenter wrote the song during a creative period in France when she felt particularly confident, capturing that effervescent energy that makes it ideal for Nowruz parties and March equinox gatherings where joy and celebration take center stage.
Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish
From Billie Eilish’s 2024 album “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” “Birds of a Feather” became the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2024, surpassing even “Espresso” with its baroque pop sound and themes of lasting connection that resonate with Nowruz’s emphasis on family and community. The indie pop track explores deep love and the desire for enduring relationships, making it particularly meaningful during a season associated with renewal and the strengthening of bonds. Eilish’s collaboration with her brother Finneas produced a song that blends eighties-inspired synth-pop with contemporary production, creating a sound that appeals across generations while celebrating the timeless value of togetherness.
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” captures the cyclical nature of power, seasons, and life itself through its sweeping orchestral arrangement and Chris Martin’s contemplative lyrics about transformation and rebirth that perfectly complement the astronomical significance of the equinox. The song’s title, meaning “long live life” in Spanish, aligns beautifully with Nowruz’s celebration of vitality and new beginnings as nature transitions from winter’s dormancy to spring’s vibrant emergence. Released in 2008, this modern classic uses baroque pop elements to create a sense of grandeur that matches the moment when day and night achieve perfect balance before spring takes hold across the Northern Hemisphere.
Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year by Sarah Vaughan
Jazz legend Sarah Vaughan transforms this Frank Loesser composition into a bittersweet meditation on anticipation and delayed gratification, adding emotional depth to spring equinox playlists with her incomparable vocal control and sophisticated interpretation. The orchestral arrangement and Vaughan’s impeccable phrasing demonstrate how jazz standards can add elegance and complexity to celebrations of natural phenomena like the vernal equinox. Her rendition captures the sometimes unpredictable nature of seasonal transitions when spring doesn’t arrive exactly on schedule, reminding us that nature operates on its own timeline regardless of our calendar markers.
Seasons of Love from RENT
Jonathan Larson’s “Seasons of Love” from the musical RENT asks listeners to measure life’s meaning through relationships and moments rather than calendar markers, a philosophy that resonates deeply with the reflective aspects of Nowruz traditions that encourage gratitude and presence. The song’s gospel-influenced arrangement and powerful ensemble vocals create an uplifting atmosphere perfect for welcoming the new season and contemplating the year ahead. Though not specifically about spring, its themes of renewal, community, and making the most of time align beautifully with equinox celebrations that mark the beginning of a new cycle in nature’s eternal rhythm.
Equinoxe Part 4 by Jean-Michel Jarre
Electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre created “Equinoxe Part 4” as part of his 1978 concept album exploring the balance between nature and technology, making it a perfect instrumental companion for March equinox listening that appeals to fans of atmospheric soundscapes. The synthesizer-driven composition builds gradually, creating sonic environments that evoke both the cosmic significance of Earth’s axial alignment and the terrestrial awakening of spring. Jarre’s innovative production techniques and melodic sensibility make this track accessible to listeners who might typically avoid electronic music, while offering a unique interpretation of equinox themes through purely instrumental means.
First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Conor Oberst’s tender “First Day of My Life” captures the feeling of rebirth and new perspective that defines both the spring equinox and Nowruz celebrations of renewal, with acoustic arrangements and heartfelt lyrics about seeing the world through fresh eyes. The indie folk favorite has become a modern classic for moments of transformation and new beginnings since its 2005 release, making it particularly relevant when commemorating the balance point between seasons. Oberst’s earnest vocals and the song’s minimalist production allow listeners to contemplate their own experiences of emerging from darkness into light, both literally and metaphorically.
Celebration by Kool & The Gang
While not specifically about spring or the equinox, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang provides the perfect upbeat energy for Nowruz parties and spring equinox gatherings where joy and community take center stage with its infectious rhythm and universal message. The song’s call to celebrate life, good times, and positive moments aligns perfectly with the festive atmosphere of Persian New Year traditions when families and communities gather to welcome spring. Its horn arrangements and irresistible dance floor atmosphere make it ideal for the social aspects of equinox celebrations, bridging cultural differences through the universal language of joy and music.
Good Graces by Sabrina Carpenter
Another 2024 hit from Sabrina Carpenter, “Good Graces” blends pop and R&B with catchy, playful energy that perfectly captures carefree spring days when the weather invites outdoor celebration and renewal. Released as part of her “Short n’ Sweet” album, this track demonstrates Carpenter’s ability to create upbeat anthems that encourage listeners to embrace confidence and joy. The song’s rhythmic vitality and fun lyrics make it an excellent addition to March equinox playlists, especially for gatherings that emphasize enjoyment and the liberating feeling that comes with spring’s arrival.
Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy” provides a dream-like atmosphere through the band’s signature style, with Stevie Nicks’ mystical vocals and upbeat instrumentation that makes listeners want to twirl in fields of spring flowers. The song’s ethereal quality and themes of nostalgia and wanderlust resonate with the transitional nature of the equinox when we look back at winter while anticipating summer. Released in 1982, this classic rock staple has maintained its appeal across generations, offering a perfect blend of introspection and celebration that suits both quiet reflection and joyful gatherings during Nowruz and the vernal equinox.
Springsteen by Eric Church
Eric Church’s 2011 country hit “Springsteen” instantly marks the turn of seasons with its nostalgic lyrics and mellow, warm weather vibes that celebrate the memories and feelings associated with spring and early summer. The song’s country-esque chords and Church’s emotive delivery create a perfect late-spring melody that resonates with anyone who has cherished memories connected to the season. While not explicitly about the March equinox, its celebration of youth, music, and the transformative power of warm weather makes it an ideal addition to playlists welcoming the changing season.
Love Me JeJe by Tems
Nigerian artist Tems reimagines a 1997 hip-hop classic with “Love Me JeJe,” released in 2024 as a sweet and sunny track that combines Afro drumming with contemporary production perfect for spring celebrations. Tems completely transforms the original with new lovelorn lyrics wrapped around catchy melodies and tinny guitar work that creates an infectious groove. This track represents the global nature of spring celebrations, bringing West African musical traditions into conversation with Nowruz and equinox themes of renewal and joy.
Lover by Taylor Swift
From Taylor Swift’s 2019 album of the same name, “Lover” radiates spring and early summer vibes with its romantic lyrics and upbeat production that celebrate love and new beginnings. The song’s dreamy quality and optimistic tone make it perfect for March equinox celebrations that emphasize hope and positive transformation. Swift’s ability to craft universally relatable narratives about love and life transitions makes this track particularly suitable for marking seasonal changes when nature itself demonstrates the power of renewal.
Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
Also from the “Lover” album, “Cruel Summer” has become one of Taylor Swift’s most successful tracks with its energetic production and lyrics about intense emotions and transformative relationships that parallel spring’s dramatic shift from winter. The song’s building intensity and explosive chorus mirror the way spring gradually arrives before bursting into full bloom. Its massive popularity and sing-along quality make it ideal for gatherings where quality audio equipment can properly deliver the track’s layered production and Swift’s dynamic vocals.
Spring by Antonio Vivaldi (Max Richter Recomposition)
Max Richter’s 2012 recomposition of Vivaldi’s iconic “Spring” from The Four Seasons brings baroque brilliance into the contemporary era, creating a bridge between classical tradition and modern sensibilities perfect for equinox listening. This interpretation maintains Vivaldi’s brilliant musical representation of birds chirping, brooks flowing, and nature awakening while adding electronic elements and altered arrangements that appeal to current audiences. The piece’s ability to aurally depict spring’s arrival makes it an essential instrumental work for March equinox playlists, whether celebrating Nowruz or simply marking the seasonal transition with music that has celebrated spring for centuries.
What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s contemplative ballad “What Was I Made For,” written for the Barbie soundtrack in 2023, explores themes of purpose and self-discovery that resonate with Nowruz’s emphasis on reflection and new beginnings. The stripped-down production and Eilish’s vulnerable vocals create an intimate atmosphere perfect for quieter moments of equinox celebrations when contemplation is valued alongside joy. This Grammy-nominated track demonstrates how contemporary artists continue to create meaningful music that connects with timeless themes of transformation and searching for meaning during transitional periods.
Holding Out for Spring by Laufey
Released in 2023, Laufey’s “Holding Out for Spring” explicitly addresses the anticipation of winter’s end and spring’s arrival with jazz-influenced melodies and lyrics that capture the longing for warmer days and renewed hope. The Icelandic-Chinese artist’s sophisticated musical approach and her ability to blend jazz traditions with contemporary pop sensibilities create a unique sound perfect for March equinox celebrations. Her poetic lyrics about waiting for spring and not letting winter win resonate deeply with anyone who has endured a long, cold season and eagerly awaits the vernal equinox’s promise of renewal.
April in Paris performed by Count Basie
This 1956 jazz standard performed by Count Basie’s orchestra captures the romance and renewal associated with spring in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The classic composition has been performed by countless artists, but Basie’s version showcases exceptional musicianship and the timeless appeal of jazz celebrations of seasonal change. For those seeking optimal listening experiences during equinox celebrations, choosing the right headphones ensures you catch every nuance of the sophisticated orchestration and improvisational brilliance that makes this jazz standard eternally fresh.
Creating Your Perfect Equinox Playlist
The spring equinox represents more than just a calendrical marker—it’s a moment when day and night achieve perfect equilibrium before the growing season takes hold across the Northern Hemisphere. Music has always been humanity’s way of marking significant moments, and these songs span genres, eras, and cultures to capture different facets of this universal experience. From traditional sounds to Western pop interpretations, each track offers a unique perspective on renewal, balance, and the eternal cycle of seasons.
These verified songs have been carefully selected to ensure they’re all available on YouTube and major streaming platforms, allowing you to easily create your perfect March equinox or Nowruz playlist without searching for tracks that don’t exist. Each song has been confirmed through thorough research and represents real, accessible music that you can immediately add to your celebration soundtrack. From the newest 2024 releases like Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” to timeless classics like The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” this collection offers something for every taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a song appropriate for March equinox celebrations?
Songs appropriate for March equinox celebrations typically embody themes of renewal, balance, transformation, and new beginnings that align with spring’s arrival. The vernal equinox marks when day and night are approximately equal, symbolizing equilibrium before spring’s dominance. Both instrumental pieces that evoke natural awakening and lyrical songs addressing seasonal change or cultural traditions like Nowruz serve as fitting soundtracks for this transitional moment.
Are all these songs available on YouTube?
Yes, all twenty songs in this curated list have been verified to exist and are available on YouTube and major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Each track was confirmed through thorough searches to ensure accessibility. From classic tracks like The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” to 2024 releases like Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” and Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” you can find every song through standard streaming services.
Can I mix Western pop songs with traditional Nowruz music?
Western pop songs with appropriate themes of renewal, celebration, and new beginnings can absolutely complement Nowruz festivities, especially at gatherings where diverse audiences appreciate both Persian heritage and contemporary international music. Many diaspora communities create celebrations that honor Persian traditions while acknowledging their multicultural environments. The key is maintaining respect for Nowruz’s cultural significance while creating joyful environments that welcome spring through various musical expressions.
How can I create a balanced equinox playlist?
A balanced equinox playlist should include approximately two to three hours of music, mixing upbeat celebratory tracks with contemplative pieces to reflect both joy and reflection. Include a variety of genres and eras to appeal to diverse tastes while maintaining thematic coherence around renewal and new beginnings. Structure your playlist to build energy gradually, peak during the middle portions, and conclude with calming selections as gatherings wind down.
What’s the difference between March equinox and Nowruz music?
While March equinox songs broadly celebrate spring’s arrival across various cultures, Nowruz music specifically honors the Persian New Year with Iranian musical traditions and often Farsi lyrics. Nowruz tracks connect to the 3,000-year-old celebration observed across Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and diaspora communities, often incorporating traditional Persian instruments. However, both types share common themes of rebirth and hope, making them compatible in mixed playlists.
How do I ensure good audio quality during my celebration?
Ensuring good audio quality requires quality playback equipment appropriate for your venue size, whether a Bluetooth speaker for intimate gatherings or a sound system for larger parties. Consider the acoustics of your space and position speakers strategically to distribute sound evenly. Test your playlist at the intended volume before guests arrive, making adjustments to ensure clear reproduction of both quiet tracks and energetic celebration songs.