Lyrics vs Melody: Which Is More Important?
Everyone has their own music creating process. Let's identify those different ways they create their sound.

Music is a huge part of our lives as human beings. Some of us enjoy listening to music, but you go beyond that. You make music for others to enjoy. That makes you one of our heroes in this wicked world. Maybe you make music that people can dance to. Maybe you make music people can cry to. Maybe you make music people can sing along to in the shower. Whatever the case, you're a hero.

There has been a debate within music circles that has lasted ages. Which is more important in music: the lyrics or the melody? There have been good arguments on either side and everyone has reached a sort of ceasefire. Agree to disagree. As an artist, however, you can't do that.

You must answer this question for yourself because it will determine the kind of music you make and what kind of audience you should target. So which is more important? Would you rather have deep lyrics or beautiful melodies? Firstly, let's look at the case for each of them.

The Case for Melody

What's the case for melody?

Memorable sound

The melody is the first thing that stands out in your music. When the song starts, the first thing we hear is the melody. Most of the time, what we hear in those first ten seconds determines whether or not we continue. A good melody is the first thing that will stick in a listener's mind as it's much easier to get a hold of.

So you want to make sure your melody is nice because the sound is more likely to be remembered after the first listen. It’s a great way to make a lasting first impression.

Music to be enjoyed

Have you ever been listening to music and you just can’t help but move? Be it all-out dancing or just slight bobbing of your head to the beat, we all enjoy a good melody. Even when the song is slow, there’s just something special about a good melody. A good example of the merits of melody is the recent boom in the Afrobeats industry.

Most of the songs are written in local pidgin English yet audiences all over the world are in love with it. How can that be when they don’t even understand what the artists are saying? It’s all in the melody. With Afrobeats, you simply have to dance. It’s the definition of a good time.

Immediate effect

I’ve already alluded to this. A good melody is your chance to make a first impression. It has an immediate effect on the listener. Once your song comes on and heads are already bobbing, you know nobody is hitting “next�.

It’s the first thing that gets to your listener, the first chance to get their attention. This is because you don’t need much concentration to catch the beat. You either love it or you don’t.

The Case for Lyrics

So melody is important, but what’s the argument for lyrics?

Emotional depth

As much as the instrumental is a good way to communicate an emotion, it can only take you so far. True emotional depth is found in the lyrics. As amazing as your melody can be, it won’t win you any super fans. The best way to win a fan is to make a lasting impression, and the only way to make a lasting impression is to connect with them. This is why artists like Eminem and NF have such loyal fanbases.

Through their lyrics, they’ve built connections that can’t be shaken off easily. People can relate to what they’re saying. Don’t get me wrong, they have amazing production teams too, but I’ve never heard anyone say they love Eminem for his awesome instrumentals.

A message

Every artist has a reason why they make music, and it’s usually a deep reason. I don’t know what motivated you to start making music, to battle the odds in this difficult industry. Whatever it is, it’ll form a huge part of your message. And it’s in your lyrics that we’ll find what you’re all about, your reason for making music, your message.

This is why music that focuses on women and sex hardly ever wins over lifelong fans. It doesn’t touch anyone. Deep music does. And there’s no deep music without deep lyrics.

Prolonged effect

Read this excerpt from NF’s song, Therapy Session.

“These kids, they come to my shows with tears in their eyes

Imagine someone looking at you and saying your music's the reason that they are alive

Sometimes, I don't know how to handle it

This type of life isn't glamorous

This ain't an act for the cameras

You see me walk on these stages but have no idea what I'm dealing with after it�

This is the kind of effect you can have with your lyrics. There’s nothing as powerful as building such a connection with your fans. Do that and they’ll follow you anywhere. It doesn’t have to be as dark and deep as NF’s, but it has to be authentic, something people can listen to and immediately feel heard and understood. Like they’re not alone.

Melody vs Lyrics

Truth be told, you can’t have good music without the right combination of these two. How you combine them will depend on you and who your target audience is. As deep as NF’s lyrics are, he has some of the most entertaining instrumentals in rap music. On the flip side, Burna Boy’s music can really get you going, but if you listen closely he’s onto something deep too.

Our music preferences will depend on our personalities. Let me tell you what I mean.

A spontaneous person is more likely to hear the melody in your music. They can listen to your song fifty times and it’ll be somewhere around the forty-fifth time they’ll finally realize how deep your lyrics are. All the while, they’ve been focused on the music and production.

A more analytical person will pay close attention to what you’re saying from the get-go. They only need the melody as a nice background for the lyrics to shine through. If the production is decent enough, they’ll let it fade into the background while they try to listen to your words.

Your choice will depend on what kind of person you are and who you’re making music for.