June 19, 2024
Allah Rakha Rahman, known globally as A.R. Rahman, is synonymous with musical genius and innovation. Born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, India, Rahman's journey from a child prodigy to an...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
A recent study by Eventbrite has uncovered a notable shift in the behaviour of music fans, who are now purchasing concert tickets later than ever before. This trend was a key topic of discussion at...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
A new University of Ottawa study has revealed a stark disparity in the airplay of music by women, particularly racialized and trans artists, on commercial Canadian radio over the past decade...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar Eras Tour recently graced Edinburgh, bringing a flood of enthusiastic Swifties to the city and creating an exceptional boom for local businesses. Tens of thousands of...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Amazon Music is set to enhance its live streaming offerings with an exciting event: "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends," featuring the acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar. Scheduled for Juneteenth in...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
The Black Keys, the renowned rock duo, have recently made headlines with their decision to part ways with their long-time managers, Irving Azoff and Steve Moir. This significant change comes in the...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, known professionally as Jhené Aiko, has become a defining voice in contemporary R&B with her ethereal vocals, deeply personal lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Born on...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Billie Eilish has opened up about the emotional experience of performing her new song “The Greatest” for the first time. Her latest album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, was released on May 17, and Eilish...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Billie Eilish has responded to Lana Del Rey’s recent declaration that she is the “voice of our generation.” Eilish made a special surprise appearance during Del Rey’s headlining set at Coachella’s...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Lana Del Rey has spoken out following her “fight” with “stalkers” in Paris. The singer was recently spotted having a heated exchange in the French capital, where she claimed someone was “following”...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Howard University announced on Friday that it would revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in 2014, in light of recent revelations concerning the disgraced rapper and...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
As summer draws near, the race for the season's signature song heats up. Just when it seemed like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was poised to dominate, Billie Eilish has thrown her hat into the...
Read moreIntroduction
One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some of the greatest songwriters in history have found success by experimenting with both approaches. In this article, we’ll explore methods to help you figure out what works best for you, and we’ll highlight examples of famous creators who have dealt with this very dilemma.
1. The Lyrics-First Approach
For many songwriters, lyrics are the foundation. If you have something to say or a message to deliver, starting with the words might feel more natural. This approach allows you to craft a story, mood, or concept before worrying about the music. You can then shape the melody and harmony to fit the emotional core of your words.
Example: Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is one of the most famous proponents of the lyrics-first approach. Known for his poetic and often politically charged songs, Dylan's lyrics often drive the song’s direction. His process is a testament to how powerful words can be when the music supports them.
Solution: Craft Your Story First
If you resonate with storytelling, try writing lyrics before considering the music. Start by freewriting or journaling to develop themes or ideas you want to explore. Then, experiment with matching melodies and chords to the mood your lyrics convey.
2. The Music-First Approach
Many songwriters prefer to begin with music, letting melodies or chords set the tone for their lyrics. If you find that music comes to you more easily than words, this approach might feel more intuitive. The emotional qualities of the music can then inspire lyrics that complement it.
Example: Paul McCartney (The Beatles)
Paul McCartney often wrote music before lyrics. Take “Yesterday” as an example: the melody came to McCartney in a dream, and he initially filled it with nonsensical placeholder lyrics (“Scrambled eggs...”). Once he had the melody, he shaped the final lyrics to fit the music’s mood.
Solution: Let the Melody Guide You
If you’re musically inclined, start by playing around with chords or humming melodies. Don’t worry about words at first—allow the music to dictate the feel of the song. Once you have a strong musical foundation, you can add lyrics that match the energy and emotion of the music.
3. Hybrid Method: Writing Both Together
Some songwriters create both music and lyrics simultaneously. This can be an organic process where each informs the other, allowing for a more holistic songwriting experience. This method is often the result of experimenting with both approaches over time.
Example: Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift often writes lyrics and music together, especially in her earlier albums. Her approach allows for seamless integration between the emotional content of the lyrics and the musical mood, creating songs that feel cohesive from start to finish.
Solution: Experiment with Simultaneous Writing
If you’re unsure where to start, try writing both at the same time. Pick up an instrument, hum a melody, and jot down lyrics that come to mind. You might discover that the flow between words and music feels more natural when they develop together.
4. Tapping into Inspiration from External Sources
Sometimes, inspiration comes from neither music nor lyrics directly, but from an external stimulus like a movie, book, or experience. Using inspiration from these sources can provide both musical and lyrical ideas simultaneously.
Example: David Bowie
David Bowie would often draw inspiration from movies, literature, and even art, blending music and lyrics inspired by these sources. His experimental nature allowed him to switch between writing lyrics and music based on what was most inspiring at the moment.
Solution: Look Beyond Music and Lyrics for Inspiration
Don’t limit your creative process to just music or lyrics. If you’re feeling stuck, try watching a movie, reading a book, or visiting a gallery. You may find that the inspiration for both the music and lyrics comes from these outside influences.
Conclusion: Find What Works for You
There’s no right or wrong way to write a song. Whether you prefer to start with lyrics, music, or a combination of both, the key is finding a process that works for you. Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and David Bowie all approached songwriting differently, and each method has its own merits. The most important thing is to experiment and discover what helps you express your creativity best.
Let the examples of these music legends inspire you to try new approaches, but don’t forget to adapt the process to your unique style. Sometimes, all it takes is a little trial and error to find the perfect flow!