From American Songwriter · Paige Gawley · · 2m
Nathan Chlumsky Wins Heart Toppers Lyric Contest
Nathan Chlumsky's 'Love Like a Slow Dance' wins American Songwriter's Heart Toppers Lyric Contest promotion.
In brief
Nathan Chlumsky's 'Love Like a Slow Dance' wins American Songwriter's Heart Toppers Lyric Contest promotion. Nathan Chlumsky won American Songwriter's Heart Toppers Lyric Contest promotion with his song 'Love Like a Slow Dance' about finding slow, deep love. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Promotion Winner
Nathan Chlumsky won American Songwriter's Heart Toppers Lyric Contest promotion with his song 'Love Like a Slow Dance'.
“Love Like a Slow Dance”
Song Inspiration
Chlumsky wrote the song after being bullied in high school and dreaming of finding a slow, deep love story.
“Growing up, I was bullied quite a bit, and I think because of that I always dreamed about finding that special, storybook kind of love, the high school-sweetheart kind of relationship where two people find each other, become best friends, and somehow keep falling more in love as the years go by”
Current Status
Chlumsky remains single and hasn't experienced the love story he wrote about in 'Love Like a Slow Dance'.
“The interesting thing is that I’m still single. I haven’t experienced the love story I wrote about in 'Love Like a Slow Dance', at least not yet.”
Song Meaning
Chlumsky described the song as capturing a relationship where the world moves fast but with one person, time slows down.
“I wanted to capture a relationship where the world can be moving a hundred miles an hour around you, but when you’re with that one person, none of it matters”
Song Line
The song includes the line: 'Yeah, the world moves fast, but with you, I never have to.'
“Yeah, the world moves fast, but with you, I never have to”
Songwriting Journey
Chlumsky has written 17 books and 126 songs, with his first song written in 1999.
“I’ve always loved writing stories and poems. In high school, I entered a national "What America Means to Me" scholarship writing contest on a whim. I wrote my essay in about 10 minutes, ended up winning the local competition, and went on to place third at the district level.”
Why Enter Heart Toppers
Chlumsky entered the contest because he believed his song 'Love Like a Slow Dance' fit the promotion's theme.
“When I saw the Heart Toppers Promotion, I felt like several of my songs were a really good fit for what the contest was looking for”
Song Submission
Chlumsky submitted five songs to the Heart Toppers Promotion, with 'Love Like a Slow Dance' being his strongest.
“I actually submitted several songs to the Heart Toppers Promotion, I believe five altogether, because I felt I had several songs in my catalog that fit what the promotion was looking for”
Winning Impact
Winning the Heart Toppers Promotion has humbled Chlumsky and given him confidence in his songwriting.
“I am humbled beyond words. When I received the email saying that "Love Like a Slow Dance" had been selected as the Heart Toppers Promotion Winner, I honestly had to read it more than once”
Songwriting Influences
Chlumsky is inspired by Jim Steinman and the emotional impact of music that connects with listeners.
“Jim Steinman would definitely be at the top of my list. I have always admired his ability to tell a story and the incredible imagination he brought to his songwriting”
2026 Plans
Chlumsky plans to write more songs and work with industry professionals to get his music on the radio.
“I recently finished my 126th song, and my catalog now includes country, christmas, christian, southern rock, and songs that sometimes blur the lines between those genres”
Career Dreams
Chlumsky wants to become a professor and has a dream of hearing his songs on the radio or winning Song of the Year.
“Hearing one of my songs on the radio would be an incredible moment. Hearing several of them would be even better! But the ultimate dream would be sitting at the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, or the Grammys and hearing the title of a song I wrote announced as Song of the Year”
Advice for Artists
Chlumsky encourages artists to enter contests without fear, as songwriting is subjective and opportunities are limited.
“Just do it. Take the chance. One thing I’ve learned through this experience is that you never know what can happen unless you’re willing to put yourself and your work out there”
Song Lyrics
The song 'Love Like a Slow Dance' includes lines about finding peace in slow, deep love with someone.
“Barefoot in the kitchen old records spinnin’ slow Your head against my chest while the midnight windows glow Outside the world keeps runnin’ everybody’s chasin’ time But here with you beside me everything slows down just right”
Winning Significance
Winning the Heart Toppers Promotion has given Chlumsky confidence in his songwriting and the potential for his music to reach listeners.
“I think what means the most to me is knowing that a song about a kind of love I still hope to experience was able to make someone else feel something”
Future Goals
Chlumsky hopes to collaborate with other songwriters and have his songs heard on the radio.
“I would absolutely welcome the opportunity to co-write. Most of my catalog has come from writing independently, but I think something is exciting about putting two creative minds in a room and seeing where an idea goes”
The headline
Nathan Chlumsky won American Songwriter's Heart Toppers Lyric Contest promotion with his song 'Love Like a Slow Dance' about finding slow, deep love.
