Musicians, when you write a song do you write the riff or the lyrics first?

Question

Do you write the music to go with the lyrics or do you write the lyrics to go with the music?

Answer 1

Most of the time I write the lyrics first as I am much better at wordsmithing than musical composition but occasionally the melody comes to me first. More often than not, the lyrics are adjusted to fit the tune better.

Answer 2

For the most part, I write the lyrics first. They say that you should write the music first but look at Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Taupin always wrote the lyrics then Elton would come up with the tune. Whatever works.

Answer 3

The lyrics come first..Through this,and then comes the rythem and beat of the music that co-incides with eachother to make a harmoneous sound.

Answer 4

I usually write the riff first, with an idea of what I want the song to be about already in my mind.

Answer 5

for me, it is easier to write lyrics first. but then it is kinda hard to match it with music. if i write music first, the lyrics just flow from it. it depends.

Answer 6

lyrics.

Answer 7

both

Answer 8

both