Singout4Justice

Lucy Wilkins, a Year 10 student from Kavanagh College in Dunedin, won the Years 7-10 section with One Human Family.

Elena Šiljić is a Year 13 student from Carmel College in Auckland, and won the Years 11-13 section with Land of the Lord.

Lucy and Elena wrote on this year’s theme ‘One Human Family’, and were selected by our Finals judge Don McGlashan.

What Lucy says about One Human Family:

My song is about realising that everyone has something good in them. Despite what we look like, where we live and what we do.

I wrote this song because I love song-writing, and I felt this was a good opportunity to do more. To write this song, I started by working out a melody on the guitar. I then thought about what message I wanted my song to convey, and decided on equality. I then put lyrics to it and spent a few weeks polishing it. When I recorded it, I decided to use an electric guitar to get a stronger sound. I then put in some backing vocals and drumming on an acoustic guitar. I was inspired by the thought that everyone is equally important and some people don’t realise that here in New Zealand.

Listen to One Human Family  | Read the lyrics

What the judge said

This song has a clear message, with an arresting, memorable chorus. The idea that everyone has something good in them - and therefore everyone deserves a chance - is a simple, strong truth.  One of the hardest things in song writing is to express something direct and universal without resorting to clichés. I think you've done a fine job of just that.

What Elena says about Land of the Lord

I was intrigued and inspired by the idea of continental drift, the theory of evolution and how we as humans are separated by our continents and land masses that have drifted.  We are invaded by water that keeps us from each other, and although nature tries to build obstacles and walls between us, we overcome them with our faith and love for each and every individual all over the world, no matter what continent they may reside on. We have this interconnection and a sense of family with our communal faith in Christianity and the Lord, which can be shared all over the world.

Listen to Land of the Lord  | Read the lyrics

What the judge said 

This is a lovely performance, and a really intriguing idea of the lands and seas parting, and the human race struggling to hold on to each other. The lyrics are thoughtful and poetic. Overall this is a really atmospheric and moving song. Good work and keep it up!

Lucy and Elena were among 23 entrants from around the country across both age groups. Other entries to stand out:

Highly Commended

In the Years 7-10 section, Katie Macfarlane from Epsom Girls Grammar School, Auckland, with Have a Little Faith.

In the Years 11-13 section, Kelly Harris from Baradene College, Auckland, with Because We Love.

Commended

Years 7-10:

Keenan Sanders, Marian School, Hamilton - For You and Me

Jessica Rogers, Carmel College, Auckland - Voice of the Unborn

Years 11-13:

Logan Anderson, Cullinane College, Whanganui - Convicted

Tapiwa Mutingwende (pictured on right), St Patricks College, Silverstream - Glory Road 

• Singout4Justice 2012 winner
• Singout4Justice 2011 winner
• Singout4Justice 2010 winner