What comes first when writing a song - music or lyrics first? This is a question that has been debated by songwriters for centuries. Some of the first American songwriters played the instruments to the songs they wrote but did the first singer-songwriters write the lyrics or the background music first? Some people believe that the music should come first, while others think that the lyrics are more important. In this blog post, we will explore both sides of this argument and offer our own opinion on the matter. We will also provide tips on how to write better songs regardless of which side of the debate you fall on!

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What are the benefits of writing lyrics before hearing the music?

By writing the lyrics first, lyricists can ensure that they are telling the story they want to tell, without being influenced by the tone or rhythm of the music. In addition, writing lyrics before hearing the music gives lyricists a chance to really get inside their thoughts and understand their motivations. As a result, they can create more convincing and believable songs that listeners can connect with.

There are more benefits to writing lyrics before hearing the music. For one thing, it can help me from getting writer's block. When I'm stuck trying to come up with the perfect melody, it can be helpful when I have my lyrics already written. That way, I can simply focus on finding a tune that matches the mood and meaning of my words. In addition, writing lyrics first can also help to ensure that the song is meaningful and engaging.

After all, the best songs are usually those that say something important, and that's much easier to do when you start with the lyrics. So next time you're feeling stuck, do what I do and try putting pen to paper and see where the words take you. Be careful, however, that you don't force the music too much to fit into your lyrics mold and ruin the flow of your song.

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What are the benefits of hearing the music before writing the lyrics?

The relationship between music and lyrics is a symbiotic one - each enhances the other and creates a more powerful emotional impact. In most cases, the music is written first, and the lyrics are added later. However, there are some advantages to reversed approach. For starters, when I'm hearing the music first it gives me a better sense of the mood and tone of the song. This can help choose the right words to convey the desired message.

In addition, matching the rhythm of the lyrics to the melody or beat can be easier when you have a reference track to work with. Finally, writing the lyrics first can simply help to jump start your creativity. Sometimes all I need is a few lines of verse to get my musical inspiration flowing. So while there's no single correct way to write a song, hearing the music first can give you a helpful boost in getting started.

How do you know which one to choose for your songwriting process?

Songwriting is a very personal process, and there is no single right or wrong way to go about it. Some songwriters prefer to start with the music first, creating a melody and chord progression that they then match with lyrics. Others prefer to start with the lyrics first, writing a complete verse and chorus before adding the music. And still, others find that the best songs come from a more spontaneous, improvised approach, with both music and lyrics being developed simultaneously. The key is to experiment with different methods and figure out what works best for you. There is no wrong way to write a song, so trust your instincts and let the creative process flow.

What if you can't decide which comes first - music or lyrics?

Should the lyrics come first, or should the melody be developed first? There is no right or wrong answer to this question, and ultimately it comes down to whichever approach works best for the songwriter. Some songwriters prefer to start with the lyrics, as this gives them a clear direction for the melody. Others find that starting with the melody can be helpful, as it can inspire the lyrics.

I like to switch things up when I get to a beat that doesn't move me. If you're unsure which path to take, try writing half and half. First, start with the beat and write a 16-bar verse (if you're rapping), or just one verse for any other genre. Then for your second verse write without the music. You already have the flow from the first verse so you should have no problem staying on beat.

Regardless of what you choose, usually the first few bars you write cold will be throwaways so by the third verse you'll have enough of an idea of what direction the song is going. Don't be afraid to move your verses around when needed. If the third verse is hot maybe it might fit better as your first verse, or vice versa. Just get some momentum going and the writing will take you where you want to go, just remember that the most important thing is to finish the song.

Writing lyrics is a personal decision and should be something you invest your heart into.

Can you change your mind after you've started writing a song one way or the other?

Back in the day, I wrote a song that started one way but ended up changing course entirely by the time I finished it. The result was a much better song than what I had originally envisioned, and it taught me an important lesson: never be afraid to change your mind while writing a song. Of course, it's not always possible (or desirable) to make major changes to a song once you've started writing it. But if you find yourself stuck, or if the song just isn't coming together the way you wanted, don't be afraid to scrap what you've written and start over. After all, the only thing worse than an unfinished song is a finished one that you're not happy with.

What are some tips for getting the most out of writing lyrics before hearing the music or vice versa?

You're a songwriter, so you know that the process of writing lyrics can be both exhilarating and frustrating. On one hand, it's exciting to hear the sound of your voice as you put words to the melody. On the other hand, it can be difficult to find the right combination of words and music that expresses your message in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of writing lyrics before hearing the music or vice versa:

1. Write from your heart regardless if you've heard the music or not. The best songs are those that come from a place of honesty and sincerity. So, don't be afraid to dig deep and write from your personal experience.

2. Be specific. Vague lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, which can lead to confusion or even misinterpretation. To avoid this, be ok with pausing the music and reading back what you wrote. Try and be as specific as possible in your lyrics (when that is needed, each song is different). Use the music to create vivid images and specific details in your mind. Close your eyes and visualize the colors that are created by the music and use that to help paint a clear picture for your listeners through your lyrics.

3. Music while writing helps at times to keep it simple. Sometimes less is more when it comes to writing lyrics. Rather than try to cram too much into your song, focus on creating a few key phrases or lines that ride the beat and match the flow that will make it easier to resonate with your audience.

4. Rhythm is key. This is where using the beat to lock your lyrics in place plays a huge part. No matter if you write with no background music, you better practice with the music before hitting the booth. Remember that music is made up of rhythm and rhyme, so pay attention to the way your words sound when they're set to melody. Ideally, your lyrics should flow seamlessly with the music, creating a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience.

Upward and on-wards

Now that you have an idea of how to get started with your song writing, it's time to start writing. Take the time and try out different ways to write songs with and without music. Find different ways to get the most out of your songs without compromising what it is you want to say. Switch things up when you hit writers block, and always remember to respect the beat and the flow of the background music. I always say, don't let a day go by without writing a verse and you'll end up writing everyday for the rest of your life.