Songwriting may look intriguing and glamorous from the outside, and Iβm not saying that itβs not. Inside a songwriter’s glamorous exterior, storms of uncertainty rage when he faces choices that will shape his musical identity and methods.
Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale are known for their indie artist and talented young people who have the creative spark, but every young indie artist faces this question when in the songwriting phase: Should songwriters write lyrics first or music first.
If you are wrestling with this age-old question, let me give you a helping hand. This blog will help you decide or at least give you a better picture of the choices you face.
The Eternal Songwriting Question
Artists have been facing dilemmas like these for a long time. Emerging ones face it more upfront, veterans face it too, but their experience lets them tackle it easily. Writing lyrics first and writing music first both have heavy weights backing them, and this is what makes the choice so difficult for an inexperienced musician.
What Comes First β Lyrics or Music?
Every songwriter is unique, and so are their methods. There are no right and wrong answers for this question. Answer me this, what comes more intuitively to you? Do you get the theme of the song just by listening to the melody?, If yes, then music first is your way, but if you feel as if writing down lyrics sets you up for constructing a musical body around it, then lyrics first is your path.
So, there are certain advantages for both sides, like if youβre lyrics first gang, then your lyrics will be well thought out and probably say what you want to say. Lyrics would be the star of your song and would connect to the lyrically attentive audiences. If you are for the notion of music first, then your music and melody would be the star of the song, masterfully crafted melodies live longer.
Either way, you will be getting out a song, but itβs your choice what comes more instinctively for you.
Do Songwriters Write Lyrics or Music First?
As Iβve mentioned earlier, there are big names backing both sides. Legends such as Bob Dylan and Elton John are known to write lyrics first, and the powerful words are quite difficult to ignore. It doesnβt necessarily mean that you must write your lyrics by yourself, remember the famous partnership of Elton john and Bernie Taupin where Bernie used to send fully written songs for Elton to compose melody around.
Donβt feel low if youβre composing music first, because you have the likes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and Hans Zimmer backing your musical method. These decorated names were used to write the melody first for music to follow in later. The very famous Beatles song βYesterday” was originally just a melody without lyrics. McCartney was the one who came up with the melody first.
Background Music or Lyrics First β Which Sparks Creativity?
Both do, as Creativity knows no boundaries. Instinct and intuition will guide you in your journey; they are important for a creative person as mood and inspiration are not controlled. One should opt for music first if music comes naturally and sticks with it, as getting used to a style of production can help get a good flow of work. The same works for lyric writing; one should stick to a method for a significant time.
Stick to a routine for a time, but after some time try to mix up your approach. This way, dormancy wonβt hurt you, and youβll get better in both aspects of songwriting.
Tips for Writing Lyrics First
Now that youβve noted youβre instinctively inclined towards writing lyrics first. Congratulations, but now comes the hard part, writing the music. Donβt worry. Here are some tips for you to write better lyrics easily.
- Show, not tell: Simply means use your words to paint a picture in the listenerβs imagination. This approach is vital for lyrical connectivity.
- Powerful verbs: Use modified verbs to induce intensity, e.g., walked vs slithered.
- Read Poetry: Many songwriters read classical and contemporary poetry to extract ideas or inspiration.
- Contrast: Add Tension by using contrast. The implementation of opposites induces lyrical stickiness.
- Make them work: This might surprise you, let your listeners connect some dots and extract meaning. You are not writing a textbook, you need to make them do some light work, as that subconsciously makes the listener feel more attached to the song.
Tips for Writing Music First
You know I wonβt leave the music first party alone. Here are some tips that will aid you in writing melodies faster and better.
- Mumbling: Starting with random mumbling is a great idea. Many artists use this technique to get a starting piece to build upon. Repetition is another tool one can use, as you can build a chorus by repetition. Finally, use high and low pitches in your mumbling. Try to be creative and experimental.
- Chorus = hook: Focus on creating the environment for emotional payoff. The infamous “ohs” and “Yeahs” work better than words.
- Build tension: Let the melody and story grow through the song. Curiosity killed the cat, so create anticipation.
- Donβt fear being silly: Ridiculous or raw sounds can spark the best ideas.
- Explore freely: Keep experimenting with chords, rhythm, and vocal tone until something clicks.
How to Combine Lyrics and Music Seamlessly
Now you have lyrics and melody, and we must merge both. Want my advice? Play, just play along, and youβll get to the melody that fits. Experimentation can lead to surprising results. Never underestimate your gut feeling and never discard an interesting thought just because it feels new or different.
First, try to match the lyrics and melody with the emotion and the predetermined theme of your song. Secondly, match the mood with melody with the use of minor keys, which evoke sadness or introspection. If the song is of a lighter tone, Major keys tend to feel happier or more hopeful.
Write lyrics that have space to breathe and compose a melody that allows the singer to use the breathing gaps. This makes the song sound natural and catchy. Finally, edit the song for flow, which means play your song aloud multiple times and then identify weak points, stressors, and flow blockers. After identification, change the problematic points with flowable and melodic words and structures, and youβll have a well-composed song in your hands.
Final Thoughts β No Right or Wrong Way
Emerging musician!
Hopefully, now you have a clear view through the storm. Now you know exactly what youβre dealing with. Answer to the question, does one write Lyrics first or music first? Will be determined by your instincts. Intuition will aid you in answering this debate. People like Hans Zimmer write melodies first, and people like Elton John prefer to have a written piece first, so you have legends supporting both ideologies. Read more and use literary devices to enhance your lyrical skills. Try to hum and experiment without boundaries if you want to write a good melody. One should ask for help from professionals like Kallen Media, who offer songwriting and music production aid. Production houses like Kallen Media are helping new songwriters and aspiring musicians to jumpstart their journey.
FAQs β Lyrics vs. Music in Songwriting
It is called the instrumental, melody, or composition. If the music is written before the lyrics, it’s called musical arrangement or backing track.
The order of song writing isnβt fixed, but the typical order is written below
- Idea or concept
- Melody or chord progression
- Lyrics
- Arrangement
- Production and recording
The start of a song is known as the Intro.
Again, it depends upon the artist, but many artists prefer to make the beat first and then write the melody or lyrics.
- Concept/Theme
- Melody/Harmony creation
- Lyrics writing
- Structure development
- Arrangement
- Demo recording
- Revision and polishing
That depends on whether youβve composed lyrics first or music first. Producers usually begin with a drum pattern and follow with a bassline or chord progression.
