A Q&A With the Heart Toppers Lyric Contest Promotion Winner, Corben Champoux

“Love Lies” 
By Corben Champoux, Meagan Brianne Allen & Jolyn Marie Bistodeau
Interview by American Songwriter

Corben Champoux is the American Songwriter Heart Toppers Lyric Contest Promotion winner for her song “Love Lies.” American Songwriter caught up with Corben to get the story behind her love song.

How long have you been songwriting?

I was born and raised in the small town of DeLand, Florida and I was compelled to pick up the guitar after watching my dad learn to play. I started strumming the guitar and writing songs at the age of 7 and I continue to fall more in love with songwriting every day.

I knew from a young age I wanted to write and sing country music. I was involved in my school choirs, musicals, bands, and local artist nights. Music has always been a part of my journey and I’ve dreamed of living in Nashville since I was a little girl.


Why did you enter American Songwriter’s Heart Toppers Promotion?

I follow and read the articles that American Songwriter’s published to enhance my songwriting and hear testimonies from other writers and artist.

I entered the American Songwriter’s Heart Toppers lyric contest because I believe in the song Josie Bisto, Meagan Allen and I wrote. We share the love of songwriting and the day we wrote this song we all looked at each other and knew we had written something special. We are so thrilled our song has been selected and appreciate the opportunity to have a platform to share our art.

What was the inspiration behind your song, “Love Lies”?

“Love Lies” came alive sitting in my apartment when we started talking about the moments our most beloved people in our life have lied to protect us and the song spilled out onto the page. The song started off with the sweet lies you tell a young child, like thunder is God bowling in the dark or Santa is always watching so be nice.

The journey of the song continues to young adulthood and the moments with a significant other. My personal favorite line is “those skinny jeans from college still fit perfect” it combines humor and the truth that a partner should always uplift you. The song ends by the couple growing old together and the last lie spoken is “when you need to let go, I’ll be okay”.

Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?

Riding shotgun in my dad’s pick-up truck, he played country’s greatest artists, and I fell in love with the sounds of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton. My first song I ever played on guitar was “Folsom Prison Blues” by Cash. Cash’s sound is rare, and from a young age, I loved how he could tell a story. I was captivated by his sound.

As a singer-songwriter, I keep my heroes in mind and Taylor Swift is also a songwriter that has inspired me. I want my songs to invite you into my life and experiences. I am compelled to bring people together with a song, and my dream is for my music to make people happy.

Are you planning to release any new music this year?

I have been releasing songs throughout the year and will continue to do so on all streaming platforms. You can find my songs under my name Corben. My past releases have been about football season (LOSER), finding the right man (Old Fashion) and having too much fun on Broadway (Don’t Chase Liquor with Cowboys).

Corben Spotify

Corben Apple Music

What would you tell other songwriters who are considering entering the contest?

I encourage writers to enter the contest for the opportunity to inspire and share their stories. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to perform the songs I have written and share my story. I am very thankful for the community I have found in Nashville and my music family. They continue to support, encourage, and guide me on my path.

Read the winning lyrics below:

This car won’t start until I hear that seatbelt click
Your nose grows longer every time you tell a fib
Too much tv and you’ll go blind
Santa’s always watching so be nice

If you tell the truth I swear I won’t get mad
That kid just wants to be your friend that’s why he laughs
Your stick figures on the fridge are works of art
Thunders just God bowling in the dark

Love lies
In the spilt milk on the table
Love lies
When the truths too hard to handle
Tucked in a twin size bed with a butterfly nightlight
That’s where love lies

Don’t ya dare call the plumber I can fix it
Those skinny jeans from college still fit perfect
That casserole you burnt still tasted great
Didn’t notice that your hair was turning gray

Love lies
In the supper on the table
Love lies
When the truths too hard to handle
Tucked in a queen size bed sleeping side by side
That’s where love lies

We’re still pretty young we’re not too old drive
Age is just a number, just a state of mind
And heaven ain’t so far away
You can let go now, I promise i’ll be okay

Love lies
At an empty breakfast table
Love lies
When the truths too hard to handle
Buried underneath that live oak, still sleeping side by side
That’s where love lies
That’s where love lies