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!
Read Lyrics 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”
Read Lyrics HERE.
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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”
Read Lyrics 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.
Read Lyrics HERE.
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