American Songwriter Judges Offer Insights Into Judging the 2024 September/October Lyric Contest Winners

Read below to learn more how our esteemed panel of judges picked the winners for the September/October 2024 Lyric Contest.

Meet the Judges HERE.

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1st Place – “We’ll Always Have Main Street”

By: Richard-Yves Sitoski

Sharon Vaughn: A poetic description of the free-spirited girl who couldn’t stay. Delightfully sad and real.

Jim Lauderdale: Told with just enough detail to describe this situation and the care, longing and loss the teller feels. Paints a vivid picture with well chosen economy.

Cassadee Pope: This lyric is tragic and beautiful at the same time. We’ve all had someone in our lives that we’ve tried to save and couldn’t.

Jay Knowles: A beautiful story that felt true even if it wasn’t. I wanted to know more but was also completely satisfied to only know what I was told.

HERE.

2nd Place – “The Dash (Mr. Applegate)”

By: Damon Pullias

Emily Weisband: I love this idea and they wrote it well. It’s streamlined, it’s well crafted, it doesn’t get too far away from the hook ever… it progresses well. And I like the daring idea to do a two line chorus and use the title of the song at the end of the verses. It shows it’s not too written or clever! Very tasteful!

Sharon Vaughn: This, by far was the most moving and wonderful left-field approach to this patriotically themed selection of lyrics.

Paul McDonald: I’ve been using this metaphor recently in my own life. Your time on earth summed up as only “a dash” is a pretty impactful concept.

HERE.

Since 1984, American Songwriter’s Lyric Contest has helped aspiring songwriters get noticed and have fun. Enter the 2024 Lyric Contest today before the deadline:

3rd Place – “Tall Boy”

By: Lauren Murray

Hannah Ellis: I loved how personal this felt, and yet somehow easy to apply to anyone in their own life. I really appreciated the changing choruses as well.

Jensen McRae: Favorite Line:

“Seems like a far cry from Tonka trucks and little league”

Chris Pierce: Good form that ‘sings’ when I read it. Feels like a classic. Very descriptive lyrics throughout. The bridge has a lot of heart, soul and really makes the last chorus even more powerful. Good work.

HERE.

4th Place – “From this front porch”

By: Goran Kralj and Joe Doyle

Jensen McRae: Favorite Lines:

“I could search the world for greener grass / For something more than what I have”

Paul McDonald: I think this a beautiful sentiment about finding peace and beauty with where you’re at. They say the grass is always greener on the other side, but sometimes the most impactful moments are right in front of you. This was my favorite out of the batch.

Levi Hummon: “From This Front Porch” is a unique perspective on a love song. I love the idea that you could go out and find something better, but realizing what you have is more than enough. Great imagery.

HERE.

Since 1984, American Songwriter’s Lyric Contest has helped aspiring songwriters get noticed and have fun. Enter the 2024 Lyric Contest today before the deadline: