The American Songwriter Lyric Contest
Win Dream Co-Write with legendary songwriter, be featured in American Songwriter & More!
The American Songwriter Lyric Contest
World’s Longest-Running Lyric Contest
Get your lyrics published, win premium gear, and get your work in front of top songwriters and industry professionals.
Since 1984 • Open Worldwide • Lyrics Only (No Music Required)
Session Four Deadline: May 15, 2026
Limited Time: SHAMROCK & ROLL PROMOTION
Got a drinking song? Enter your best celebration-inspired track into American Songwriter’s Contests for our brand-new SHAMROCK & ROLL promotion.
All promotion entries will automatically be included in the 2026 Lyric Contest
Promotion Deadline: March 23, 2026, 11:59 PM CST US
🍀 $500 in Cash
🍀 Feature on American Songwriter
🍀 One Year American Songwriter Membership
🍀 One Year Bourbon+ Magazine Subscription
🍀 Eligible for all respective contest prizes
What You Can Win
Six session winners each year. One Grand Prize winner.
The Dream Day on Music Row Grand Prize
One winner will receive a Dream Day in Nashville, including a co-write with a hit songwriter, a professional demo recording, and travel accommodations.
Session Winners Receive
Session Finalists Receive
Runner Ups (2nd, 3rd, 4th) and Honorable Mentions receive a feature article in American Songwriter (Print Magazine and Digital)
From Entry to Breakthrough
From Lyric Contest Win to Billboard #1
From Lyric Contest Win to Signed by Jimmy Buffett
Meet the 2026 Judges
Grammy winners, hit songwriters, and major label artists
Frequently asked questions
If you’re still deciding whether to enter, you’re probably wondering how it all works. Here’s everything you need to know before beginning your entry process.
Have an additional question? Reach out to us directly below.
- Session One: Deadline is November 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Two: Deadline is January 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Three: Deadline is March 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Four: Deadline is May 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Five: Deadline is July 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
- Session Six: Deadline is September 15th at 11:59:59 PM (CT)
Yes! We do NOT claim any rights to the lyrics submitted.
Yes! Submissions from any country are accepted. However, lyrics must be submitted in English.
$15 per submission
Copy and paste your lyrics into the designated area on the checkout form.
To edit your entry please email our Customer Relations team at [email protected] with your Order ID and the edit you need to make.
*Note: We cannot guarantee that we will be able to edit your entry if you contact us more than 2 weeks after your entry date.
Our judges do not give individual feedback. If you are interested in having your lyrics reviewed, we have a lyric critique benefit that is included in our Diamond Memberships.
- Session One: Winners announced January 2026
- Session Two: Winners announced March 2026
- Session Three: Winners announced May 2026
- Session Four: Winners announced July 2026
- Session Five: Winners announced September 2026
- Session Six: Winners announced November 2026
