Do You Write Lyrics or Music First? The Creative Journey of Songwriters

In the world of music, the question often arises: do you write lyrics or music first? This question reflects the unique creative process of songwriters, as each one of them may have a different approach to the art of songwriting. Some begin with the melody, while others find inspiration in the words. Let’s explore the various perspectives on this topic.

For some songwriters, the music comes first. They are often drawn to the rhythm and melody, feeling the beat in their bones. These individuals usually visualize the chord progression and instrument combinations before anything else. They create the framework of the song, envisioning it as a tapestry of sound, before adding any lyrics. This approach often leads to a song that flows harmoniously, with each note and chord complementing the other.

On the other hand, there are songwriters who start with the lyrics. They are often inspired by a phrase or a line that they hear in their head or read somewhere. This initial idea grows into a full song, with the melody and music crafted to compliment the meaning and emotion of the words. They see the lyrics as a way to convey a message or a story, and everything else is built around it. This approach gives a strong emphasis on lyrics, making them an integral part of the song’s identity.

Some songwriters believe that the process is a blend of both. They find inspiration in both music and lyrics simultaneously, shaping the song in layers. They may have a chord progression in mind, which inspires a certain phrase or emotion that becomes the basis of the lyrics. Conversely, they might find a phrase or line that gives birth to a certain melody or tone that they want to explore further. This method allows for a fluid and dynamic creative process, with both music and lyrics evolving together.

The answer to this question also reflects personal preferences and artistic goals. Some songwriters may find starting with music helps them in craft a radio-friendly pop tune, while others may find that writing lyrics first helps them in expressing a deep emotional message. The process is highly subjective and personal, as each songwriter has their own unique way of creating music and expressing themselves through their craft.

Regardless of which comes first, the end goal is always the same: to create a beautiful, meaningful song that resonates with people’s hearts and minds. Songwriters often go through many iterations and iterations of their work before they create something that they feel proud of, whether it’s melody first or lyrics first doesn’t really matter at that point. The end result is what counts – a compelling song that people love and enjoy.

Questions:

1. What inspires you to start writing music? Is it the melody or the lyrics?
2. How do you think your creative process differs from other songwriters?
3. What role do lyrics play in your music? How important are they to you?
4. What challenges do you face when writing lyrics or music first? How do you overcome them?