Introduction
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.

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- 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.

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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.

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- 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

📌 Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators (Chihuahua)
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