Harmonic Verses Challenge Winners

For this one, we asked you to write lyrics that told a story—and you ran with it. Some were catchy, some were emotional, some felt like they could be on a playlist already.

These weren’t just songs on paper—they sounded like something. You played with rhythm, emotion, and structure in ways that felt personal and bold. Some submissions made us smile. Others hit like a breakup anthem on repeat. All of them reminded us how powerful a well-written lyric can be.

Here are the standout voices that stuck with us.

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: Messy Life by Kelli Sheckler-Amsden

Kelli Sheckler-Amsden's grand prize lyrics in 'Messy Life' hit all the right emotional notes, creating a comforting anthem about finding solace and support in the messiness of life. The chorus is a standout, with its catchy reassurance—'Go on and let your hair get messy'—and the notion of being 'home' is woven beautifully throughout the verses. This could easily be a heartfelt sing-along, resonating with anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed. The use of a musical break adds a light, melodic touch that makes you want to hit replay. It's one of those tracks you share with a friend who's going through it, knowing it'll lift them up.

🥈 $200 Second Place: Don't Tell Me I Can Stay by Kathy Tsoukalas

Kathy Tsoukalas' second-place track really captures the push and pull of a complicated relationship with heartfelt vulnerability. The chorus stands out as a powerful declaration of independence, yet the verses beautifully convey the internal struggle with connection and letting go. The imagery of leaving the light on and the poignant introspection in the bridge makes this feel like a late-night confessional, perfect for those moments when you're reflecting on what to hold onto and what to release.

🎖️ Runners-up: $15 Each

Smoke and Mirrors! by Neli Ivanova

Neli Ivanova's entry took the runner-up spot with 'Smoke and Mirrors!' This track is a reflective dive into the life of a performer cloaked in illusion, where lines like 'The audience sees what I want them to know' hit with a haunting honesty. The recurring theme of 'smoke and mirrors' resonates like a powerful refrain, making it a song that feels both relatable and profound—a melody of self-discovery amidst the chaos of showbiz.

Nostalgia by Meredith Harmon

Meredith Harmon's runner-up track 'Nostalgia' taps into a heartfelt yearning for the classic eras of music, cleverly blending rhythmic nostalgia with playful hooks that resonate. The chorus of 'na na na' chants feels like an infectious earworm, and the clever references to musical legends like The Kinks and Whitney Houston evoke a vivid tapestry of music history. It's the kind of lyrical journey that makes you want to dust off old records and reminisce with a smile.

Group Therapy by Donnie Barlow

Donnie Barlow's entry, 'Group Therapy,' shines as a runner-up with its raw and unflinching portrayal of personal struggles. The chorus brings a grounding, welcoming rhythm that echoes the supportive environment of a group setting, while each verse dives deep into individual stories that are both harrowing and hopeful. It's a compelling testament to the power of shared experiences and healing, making it a narrative that truly sticks with you long after reading.

The Ballad of Scheherazade (It Won't Be Long) by Alexandria Stanwyck

Alexandria Stanwyck's entry, 'The Ballad of Scheherazade (It Won't Be Long),' sweeps you into a world of intrigue with a narrative as captivating as the legendary storyteller herself. This runner-up track shines with its emotional storytelling, blending the allure of romance with a looming sense of tragedy. The clever twist on the Scheherazade motif, paired with the haunting build-up to the bridge, leaves an impression that lingers long after the lyrics end.

This Love Chose Her by Nicky Frankly

Nicky Frankly's runner-up entry, 'This Love Chose Her', takes you on an emotional journey with a captivating narrative that feels like it could be the backbone of a heartfelt ballad. The way the lyrics paint vivid pictures of both turmoil and hope is truly moving—the imagery of 'a sunflower garden waiting for the light' stands out as both haunting and uplifting.

Force of Personality by Aaron Richmond

Aaron Richmond's entry as a runner-up shines with its raw, unapologetic energy and vivid imagery. The lines create a powerful narrative of defiance and self-realization, resonating with anyone who's ever felt too loud for the world. This feels like a rallying cry for those who embrace their chaos, and the rhythm of these verses makes it a track you can't ignore.

Grew: what it really means to ‘just grow’ after trauma by Dalma Ubitz

Dalma Ubitz's entry shines as a runner-up with its powerful narrative of growth and empowerment. The theme of self-discovery and resilience weaves beautifully through the lyrics, especially in the chorus, where the repeated line 'I didn't change, I just grew' feels like an anthem for personal evolution.

Professional Victim by Addison Alder

Addison Alder's runner-up entry, 'Professional Victim,' grabs attention with its raw and biting verses. The chorus sticks with you, labeling the protagonist's plight in a way that's both catchy and thought-provoking. The verses paint a vivid picture of resignation and societal critique, making it a track you'd ponder over more than once.

The Other Foot by Joe Patterson

Joe Patterson's entry 'The Other Foot' takes a powerful runner-up spot with its bold and compelling storytelling. The chorus is a standout, delivering a catchy yet thought-provoking hook that draws you into the societal critique it unfolds. The verses are impactful, weaving a narrative that challenges perceptions and paints a vivid picture of racial injustice, making it a song that could resonate with many and spark important conversations.

My Mother's Bracelet by Gabriel Huizenga

Gabriel Huizenga's entry resonates deeply with its poignant story and symbolic imagery. The line about the bracelet etched with words for 'peace' from different cultures carries both hope and heartbreak, beautifully blending personal history with global significance. This runner-up submission stays with you, inviting reflection on faith, fate, and the enduring power of love through personal artifacts.

Ozma of Oz by Marie Wilson

Marie Wilson's entry as a runner-up is a lyrical journey that dances with defiance and celebration. The story of crafting Ozma with stained glass and gemstones is both enchanting and powerful, while the chorus digs deep with a call for understanding beyond binaries. The melody of resistance and creativity sparkles like 'rainbow ice,' making it a track that feels both timely and timeless, echoing with resilience and beauty.

Wanderlust… by Angie the Archivist 📚🪶

Angie the Archivist's lyrics land as a vivid journey through Australia, capturing the sense of adventure and awe in a way that feels like a live travel diary. The recurring refrain 'Where would she go? What would she do?' keeps the wanderlust theme front and center, making it easy to imagine this as a catchy, upbeat track.

The Truth of Who We Are by Barb Dukeman

Barb Dukeman's runner-up entry, 'The Truth of Who We Are,' offers a hauntingly beautiful exploration of identity and resilience, wrapped in poetic verses that feel like an enduring anthem. The repeating chorus has a timeless quality, with 'As above, so below' resonating deeply as both a call for unity and an embrace of one's essence. The verses paint a vivid picture of struggle and hope, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journey while celebrating the eternal love and truth that bind us all. A lyrical journey worth sharing and singing along to.

Modern Lullaby by Katarzyna Popiel

Katarzyna Popiel's runner-up entry, 'Modern Lullaby,' is a catchy mix of humor and poignant commentary wrapped in a lullaby format. The repetitive 'La la la' chorus cleverly juxtaposes the unsettling verses about the world's chaos, giving it a memorable hook. It's a song that's both fun and thought-provoking, perfect for a home karaoke session with a side of reflection.

five obscure sorrows by Sandra Tena

Sandra Tena's entry delivers a poignant exploration of regret and yearning with 'five obscure sorrows'. The recurring lines about breaking hearts and trusts echo like a haunting chorus, leaving a lasting impression. The reflective narrative weaves through time, with each verse adding depth and emotional resonance, making this a truly memorable read.

🏅 Honorable Mentions

As our challenges continue to grow, we are celebrating even more incredible writers with Honorable Mentions—a special spotlight for stories that stand out for their creativity, originality, or emotional impact. Writers who receive an Honorable Mention get a special badge that appears on their profile, showcasing their achievement and contributions to the Vocal community.

• See Me by Rachel Deeming
• Without Saying: The Song by ᔕᗩᗰ ᕼᗩᖇTY
• She Was The Room by Iris Obscura
• Towards a Win by Skyler Saunders
• Parchment by Emily McGuff
• Paper Cut by Janine Michelle
• Wildfire by Amelia
• 🎶Melancholy’s Enemy🎶 by Gina C.
• The Barstool by KA Stefana
• Penthus by River and Celia in Underland

To explore more Challenges, please visit Vocal Challenges.