Lyrics Or Music First?
By menace730
@menace730 (506)
Philippines
July 23, 2011 12:01pm CST
Hey all you musicians, my question to you is...If you have written any music, what did you write first, the lyrics or the music? I have played guitar for as long as I can remember and have written music both ways, but the most common for me is lyrics first. I usually have an idea for song in my head and I write words and then music later. How about you?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@funboyrule (33)
• United States
23 Jul 11
I usually more heavily weight a song by what it sounds like, not what the lyrics are. So I always start with the music and perfecting it before I put in lyrics, which then I base around the actual music itself.
@menace730 (506)
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
Yes it works either way. I have a hard time sometimes thinking of a melody line or chord progression first. Words come easier which make my mood and then music comes.
@funboyrule (33)
• United States
24 Jul 11
Try writing a classical piece, with at least 5 instruments, and make sure everyone's part is there own and unique. It's great practice for writing music, and as long as you start neutral and then bring up the music to nearly climax and drop down a little, and repeat a few times, but each getting higher, you really polish your music writing skills. It's great practice and lots of fun. Just know that it'll take a while to do correctly.
1 person likes this
@menace730 (506)
• Philippines
25 Jul 11
Hi xuyxuy...Thats how I do it most of the time. I write lyrics and then plunk away on the piano for a melody line, then put chords to it....and walla...I have a top ten hit lol
@menace730 (506)
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
Yes me too, like I said I have done both ways, but I;m like you lyrics first and then I set the mood as to if I want a rock, ballad etc. style.
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
23 Jul 11
I am not a musician,but a music lover.
Most of the time,it's the melody that catches my attention,and then i will listen to the lyrics.
I am not sure about composers,which comes first in their minds,whether the lyrics or the music.
Have a great weekend 
@menace730 (506)
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
Ye jaiho the melody interests me when I hear a song but it's usually the chorus yhar grabs me as to weather I like the song or not. Thanks for the response.
@asiacevillar (643)
• Philippines
23 Jul 11
I did tried making a composition years back, I already have had the premature music in my head as well as the premature lyrics but in the end I prioritized the lyrics because I felt that it'll be soon easier for the song to be completed. But sometimes, for me the situation also varies according to the approach and the feeling I have towards the song, as well as the particular mood I have during that day, I just sit down and play my acoustic guitar and sometimes the lyrics and music just comes out from there.
@menace730 (506)
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
Ah yes asiacevillar sometimes both come to me also but it is rare for me. I wish it would happen more like that because i feel some of my best stuff was written this way.
