Have you ever wondered if songwriters start with the words or the music when they make a new song? This question makes people talk and argue. Some think the words come first, and then the music follows. Others think the music comes first, and then the words are added.
To clear this confusion, in this blog post, we’ll look at different ways songwriters make songs. We’ll see what famous singers and songwriters say about it. If you want to write songs yourself or just want to know more about how songs are made, this post will help you understand better.
Why This Question Matters
This question is more important than it seems. When you listen to any song or read the lyrics, you will notice that every singer and songwriter has their own style. Some like to write the words first, others start with a tune. That’s what makes music so beautiful, and there’s no one way to do it. Knowing which part comes first, lyrics or music, can really help if you’re just starting. It gives you a clue about where to begin.
And if you’re someone who loves listening to songs, it’s enjoyable to learn how your favourite music was made. Was it a melody that came first? Or maybe a powerful line of lyrics?
When you look at both ways of making songs, you will learn something, and there’s no right answer. What matters most is what feels good to the person making the song. That’s the beauty of music: it’s personal, creative, and always different.
The Lyrics-First Approach
When a songwriter starts with lyrics, they focus on what the song wants to say, basically the message, the story, or the emotion behind it. You can think of it as they write a little poem or letter first, then they add the music to bring it to life.
This method is actually great for people who love words, who can turn the words into magic by adding music later. They might begin with a title or a main idea and then build their lyrics around it. It helps them stay focused on the meaning of the song. After the words feel right, they find or create music that fits the mood and flow of those lyrics.
And the amazing part is you don’t need an instrument or a melody in your head to get started. You just need an idea and the urge to express it in words.
Why Some Songwriters Choose Lyrics First
Some songwriters start with lyrics, maybe because it helps some people feel more grounded. It’s like you know where your story is going before you take the journey. Whether you’re sitting with a notebook or recording quick lines into your phone, you’re building the heart of your song first.
Later, when it’s time to add the music, you’ll already have a strong message to guide your choices, like whether the tune should sound happy, sad, fast, or slow. But you have to keep in mind that, like any creative path, this approach has its ups and downs.
Let’s share an interesting story: one of the most iconic songwriting teams in music history, Bernie Taupin and Elton John, has followed the same creative method for decades: lyrics first, music second.
Their journey began back in 1967, and even after all these years, their process hasn’t changed. Bernie writes the words first, crafting thoughtful, emotional lyrics almost like poetry. Then, Elton brings those words to life by adding music that fits the feeling and story behind them.
This “lyrics-first” approach helped create legendary songs like Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer. Since the lyrics are written with care and meaning before any music is added, the final songs feel deep, powerful, and personal.
Many respected articles and interviews highlight this unique partnership. What makes it even more special is how naturally their roles fit. Bernie focuses on the message, while Elton shapes the mood with melody.
Their story shows us something important: there’s no single “right” way to write a song. What matters most is finding a method that works and sticking with it. And in their case, it led to music that has touched millions around the world.
Pros of the Lyrics-First Approach
| Aspect | Lyrics-First Approach |
| Story Comes First | You can build a strong, clear message before thinking about music. |
| Easy to Start | You don’t need instruments, just ideas and something to write with. |
| Creative Freedom | Great for people who love writing poems, stories, or journals. |
| Stay Focused | Music won’t distract you from your message or idea. |
Cons of the Lyrics-First Approach
| Aspect | Lyrics-First Approach |
| Tough to fit the music | It might be hard to make the lyrics fit a melody later on. |
| Doesn’t feel smooth | If the words are too fixed, it can be hard to make the music flow naturally. |
| Editing Needed | Sometimes, good lines need to be changed or removed so the song sounds better. |
The Music-First Approach
Some songwriters love starting with music. They may play a few chords on their guitar or mess around with a melody in their head. Others might begin with a beat that gets their creativity going.
Starting with music helps set the mood of the song. Whether it feels happy, sad, dreamy, or full of energy, that feeling comes alive through the music. Once the sound is there, the words can follow, like they’re joining a party that already has a great vibe.
This approach is great for you if you are someone who is more into sound, rhythm, and feeling. The melody becomes the foundation, and the lyrics are built on top of it.
Why Some Songwriters Prefer Music First
When you already have a rhythm or melody, it can be easier to know how the words should sound. The music shapes the flow, and the lyrics follow that shape. You can also record your ideas as you go, maybe on your phone, so you don’t lose them. A quick voice memo could hold your next great tune.
Many songwriters prefer music first, such as music producer Timbaland often starts by making a beat. He might hum a rhythm or tap out a sound. Then, he builds the music step by step. Once the music feels right, the words come later.
In metal music, bands like Dream Theatre usually do the same. They start with guitar sounds or drum beats. These sounds give the song its power and feeling. After the music is ready, they write words that match it.
Starting with music can help the song feel more exciting or emotional. It gives the songwriter a strong feeling to follow. For many people, it’s easier to write lyrics after they hear what the music sounds like.
Pros of the Music-First Approach
| Aspect | Music-First Approach |
| Sets the Mood | The music creates the emotion, happy, sad, calm, or wild, right from the start. |
| Smooth Flow | It’s easier to shape the words to match the rhythm and melody. |
| Boosts Creativity | Great for breaking writer’s block or when you’re stuck with lyrics |
Cons of the Music-First Approach
| Aspect | Music-First Approach |
| Less Focused Words | Sometimes, the message or story isn’t as strong because the focus starts with the music. |
| Matching Lyrics | It can be tricky to write meaningful lyrics that fit perfectly with the music. |
| Needs Music Tools | If you’re not familiar with instruments or recording, it may be harder to get started. |
The Simultaneous Approach
Some songwriters don’t choose between lyrics or music first; they do both together. A tune pops into their head, and right away, some words follow. Or maybe they sing a random line, and the melody just naturally comes with it.
This approach often feels very natural and free-flowing. It’s like a conversation between sound and story, where both sides help each other grow. Whether someone is writing alone or working with a partner, this method can lead to songs that feel real, balanced, and full of emotion.
Why Some People Like Both at Once
When words and music are created together, they fit better from the start. You’re not trying to match one to the other later; it’s all growing as one piece. The tune shapes the meaning, and the words shape the mood.
If you’re writing with someone else, it can also be a creative back-and-forth. You share an idea, they add something, and before you know it, you’re building something beautiful, step by step.
Let’s talk about the partnership of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, who often did this. They would share ideas, with one saying a line and the other adding a tune, making the song come together nicely. This teamwork created hits like “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be,” where words and music blend perfectly. This approach is great because the words and music can inspire each other as they grow.
Pros of Writing Words and Music Together
| Aspect | Simultaneous Approach |
| Natural Flow | Words and music grow together, so they feel more connected. |
| Creative Energy | It feels exciting and fresh, with ideas bouncing around. |
| Great for Teamwork | Perfect for working with a partner or for writers who enjoy thinking in both ways. |
Cons of Writing Words and Music Together
| Aspect | Simultaneous Approach |
| Too Many Changes | You might keep changing both parts and never feel finished. |
| Can Get Messy | Without a clear starting point, it can feel a little confusing or scattered. |
Conclusion
In the end, there is no perfect answer to the question: Lyrics or music – which comes first? Every songwriter is different. Some begin with powerful words. Others start with a tune or beat. And some do both at the same time.
What matters most is finding what works for you. Whether you love writing stories or playing with sounds, your process is your own. Don’t be afraid to try different ways. Explore, experiment, and enjoy the journey.
Because at the heart of every great song is feeling, and that can start from a word, a note, or even a simple idea. So go ahead, write your song your way. Let the music and the words find each other.
