Making the music.

[clor]

Hey guys, I just wanted some opinions from songwriters.

If you wanted to make a song, what would you start of with first?


Would you write out the lyrics first and THEN make the chords for your song?
oR


Make the chords to the song and THEN write out the lyrics?


Thanks for your help.
Keep playing!

[Bounty]

I make up lyrics all the time. If I like them I write them down and then sooner or later they work with a piece I'm working on. Just me. I'm not good at all but you asked. I just have fun with it.

[disobedience]

I generally start with the music. The music helps me determine what I'm trying to say and the lyrics usually flow from that.

[daiakuji]

It probably depends on your style. If you're more of a poet, writing lyrics should be easier than the chords but sometimes it's hard to find a tune for your lyrics.

But most people tend to mess around with chords til they find a good progression then come up with lyrics to the song.

[RADAR_Brian]

I have read several interviews with popular songwriters and many say each song is developed differently... sometimes the lyrics come first, and sometimes it's the music.

[exile1020]

i just mess around with the chords then i work on the lyrics but i'm no good i just have fun and kill time with it

[Musicca]

Ive used both methods before to make up songs. Because I am usually the singer of these songs, I find it easier to write out the lyrics and then find a riff that can be made to fit the general groove of the way I section the lyrics in my head.
When I write a lick and try and put words to it, I find it hard to keep a general "theme" to the lyrics as I am trying to fill in certain time frames. It is really easy (personally) to go off in a different direction with the lyrics in this manner. Not that it is neccesarily a bad thing, I have come up with some really interesting lyrics in this manner, but I find it easier to write in the other fashion.
There is no "write" or wrong way to be creative in my opinion. :D Peace