When writing a song,is it better to write the music first then add the words?

Question

or should I write the music first then add words?

Answer 1

I write songs, so from the horse's mouth... I do both!
The thing I like even better though, is when they are written at the same time. They seem to feel like they were inspired by eachother then, and the lyrics & music feed off of one another.
You tend to find a vocal, and then figure out what the chords you should play are, but you keep getting more lyrics in your head. I like it that way! I write more meaningful songs when that happens. It's like an explosion of emotion... a waterfall, a volcano... and my lyrics tend to hit you up side the head at that point... it's hard not to "get" them, no matter who you are. It's like a moment of clarity... people can see straight to your soul sometimes!

Answer 2

I am a song writer. What is your opinion of 'better'? Easier? More productive? For commercial or artistic music? It comes when it comes in whatever form it wants. I have tons of music that have no words. Sometimes a theme comes to mind and I wrtie a song around the theme. Sometimes a whole song comes at once... I like those kind, they seem to be the best.

Answer 3

This is a bit like the chicken/egg question.
Elton John has a lyricist called Bernie Taupin, and he composes the music to Bernie Taupin's words.
Other artists come up with the music first, and then write the lyrics.
I feel it is the words that should come first, and then the music should be composed to do justice to them.

Answer 4

Here's the way I look at it:

Would you make the inside of an apple pie and then try to shove it into the crust?? No you wouldn't

Do the music first and then rhythmically you can place the words in the spaces that fit.

Answer 5

Either could inspire the other. But I always go music first. It keep the singing reactionary to the feel of the tune, and it should match.
Most importantly, it keeps the emphasis on the music, which is the substance of any good song.
People tend to forget that today.

Answer 6

If you know what you're going to say... then write your words down first.

If you just love a certain tune that comes up in your head... then write that down and see if you can have any words that express the feelings you get when you hear it.

Answer 7

well thats what i do...you can get the beat in your head then when you got the beat you can write the words and then you have a perfect song...this might take a couple of minutes or so.

Answer 8

I would say come up with the words then find a good sound. But you could do it either way.

Answer 9

words first