Which comes first: the music or the lyrics?

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Which comes first: the music or the lyrics?

by Nina
(Cape Town)

This is most probably a very stupid question, but seeing as I don't know, I shall just have to ask.

What is the done thing? To first write the words to a song and THEN to put it to music or is it the other way around?

Thanks!

Nina

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Which comes first: the music or the lyrics?

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Apr 29, 2009
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hey
by: nathaniel ortiz

well it doesnt matter which comes first

Apr 30, 2009
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Thank you
by: Nina

Hi Nathaniel, thanks for responding to my question. In your experience, which is easier for someone starting out? I can sing and I can write, but I cannot read or write music.

Would it be easier, for someone like me, to first get the words down and then to put it to music? Or should I first establish a tune and then write words to fit it?

I know you said it doesn't matter which comes first, but for someone who has never done this before, it is a bit tricky to make a start - what do you normally do and how did you start?

Nina

May 01, 2009
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Which comes first when writing a song? Music or lyrics.
by: Mantius

Hi Nina,

Some songwriters write lyrics first, some write music first and some write music and lyrics simultaneously. Personally I write the two at the same time. I sometimes compose an entire musical arrangement first, then write melody and lyrics to it. Sometimes I hear lyrics, melody, rhythm and the instrument arrangement at once. So clearly, every situation is different.

Songwriting - Lyrics or Music First

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