If you’re a songwriter, you know that there are a million different approaches to crafting a tune. But one question that has plagued musicians for centuries is whether to write lyrics or melodies first. It’s a debate that has raged on for ages, with no clear winner in sight.
On one side of the argument, you’ve got the “lyrics first” camp. These folks believe that the words are the most important part of a song, and that the melody should be built around them. They argue that the lyrics are what people remember and connect with, and that the melody should be a subtle, supporting player.
On the other side, you’ve got the “melodies first” folks. These folks believe that the melody is the driving force behind a song, and that the lyrics should be built around it. They argue that the melody is what people remember and connect with, and that the lyrics should be a secondary consideration.
So who’s right? Well, the truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to songwriting. Some songwriters may find that starting with lyrics works best for them, while others may prefer to start with melodies. And then there are those of us who just start with a random collection of words and melodies and hope for the best.
But in all seriousness, the best approach will depend on the individual songwriter’s strengths and preferences. Some songwriters may find that they have a knack for coming up with clever, memorable lyrics, and may prefer to start there. Others may find that they have a natural talent for creating catchy, memorable melodies, and may prefer to start with that.
So if you’re a songwriter trying to decide whether to start with your lyrics or melodies first, don’t stress about it too much. Just do what feels right for you and your particular style. And if all else fails, just close your eyes, spin around a few times, and start with whatever you land on. That’s how some of the greatest songs of all time were written, right? (Maybe?)