American Songwriter Judges Offer Insights Into Judging the 2024 November/December Lyric Contest Winners

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

Meet the Judges HERE.

1st Place – “Jack Daniels or King James”

By: Darren Wiedman

Emily Weisband: This is so well written. This person knows how to craft an idea… always refreshing to see a concept that’s been written about a lot being written in a way I haven’t heard before.

Levi Hummon: The title immediately caught me and I would love to hear this lyric as a song. All of these top choices were my picks because I was looking for originality and a song that I might want to record.

Hannah Ellis: This is as good as anything being written on music row. I loved it as soon as I saw the title, and the writing did not disappoint. 10/10 would listen to this one.

Sharon Vaughn: The eternal battle of good versus evil in a clever but not too “songwriter-y” treatment. An intimate self-confession with no request for pity.

Jensen McRae: Favorite line: “I’ve got an angel on my shoulder and the devil in a glass“

Jim Lauderdale: I really like this description of the back and forth choices of the character. Well done!

HERE.

2nd Place – “Love Lies”

By: Corben Champoux, Meagan Brianne Allen & Jolyn Marie Bistodeau

Emily Weisband: I just love this idea. It rings true, and it’s written clearly.

Jay Knowles: I love it because it’s true. And it keeps finding one more reason to prove itself.

Hannah Ellis: I loved how they turned this hook in a lot of different ways. I felt myself naturally wanting to sing along. It was very heartfelt and well done.

Cassadee Pope: The play on words here is wonderful. That title can mean so many things, which makes the listener all the more intrigued.

Mae Muller: I really liked this one. I love the verses. All the examples used are so simple but so effective, and they make you think about what we do and say for love.

Jensen McRae: Favorite Line: “If you tell the truth, I swear I won’t get mad”

HERE.

Since 1984, American Songwriter’s Lyric Contest has helped aspiring songwriters get noticed and have fun. Enter the 2025 Lyric Contest today before the deadline:

3rd Place – “Those Broken Things”

By: Katie Rose

Paul McDonald: I love the message beyond this one. I’m all about a positive song; the lyrics are colorful and warm. It gives you perspective and makes you feel like you’re right there in the song.

Marc Broussard: I loved the hook—it got stuck in my head immediately. Great message, too. I love how simple it is to craft both a story and the relationships—it brings you right into that world.

Jensen McRae: Favorite line: “Sometimes those broken things are the sweetest surprise”

HERE.

4th Place – “Like Father, Like Son”

By: David Corey

Marc Broussard: There’s something timeless about this one—I love how it paints a picture. The structure and narrative are great as well. I’m looking forward to singing along to this one day.

Jensen McRae: Favorite line: “I’m the unholy seed of a fortunate son”

Chris Pierce: These lyrics are stunning, and I can hear melodies when reading along. They are very relatable and feel classic in many ways. The lyrics tell a story and feel very honest and uncensored. The chorus lyrics are very anthemic. Great work.

HERE.

Since 1984, American Songwriter’s Lyric Contest has helped aspiring songwriters get noticed and have fun. Enter the 2025 Lyric Contest today before the deadline: