What Comes First: Music or Lyrics?

When you hear a song, the words and melody can feel as if they were always meant to be together. But which one was written first?

The answer is: both.

Some songwriters start with lyrics. Others begin with a melody, chord progression, or rhythm. Sometimes both develop at the same time.

Sometimes the Lyrics Come First

Elton John (1947–, United Kingdom) has created many of his best-known songs from lyrics that were already written. For decades, lyricist Bernie Taupin (1950–, United Kingdom) has written the words and then given them to Elton John, who composes the music. One famous example is “Your Song.” Their partnership also produced “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer.”

Elton used a similar process for Disney’s The Lion King. Lyricist Tim Rice (1944–, United Kingdom) wrote the words, and Elton composed the music. Their collaboration produced songs including “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

Starting with lyrics can give a composer useful clues. The natural rhythm of a sentence may suggest a melody, while an important word might deserve a longer, higher, or stronger note.

Sometimes the Music Comes First

A famous example is “Yesterday” by The Beatles.

Paul McCartney (1942–, United Kingdom) first heard the melody in a dream. Because he did not have the real lyrics yet, he temporarily sang “Scrambled Eggs” to remember the tune.

The final words came later.

McCartney has explained that he does not always use the same songwriting method. Sometimes a song starts with music, while other ideas begin with words.

A melody can create a mood before a single lyric is written. The songwriter can then search for words that fit that feeling.

Sometimes They Grow Together

Billie Eilish (2001–, United States) and her brother FINNEAS (1997–, United States) often create songs as a team.

FINNEAS has described sessions where he plays an instrument while Billie sings ideas, and the melody and lyrics develop during the same process. Billie has described their partnership as close to 50/50.

Their songs “Bad Guy” and “What Was I Made For?” both won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

In this kind of songwriting, a word can inspire a musical idea, and a melody can suggest the next lyric.

Why Does the Order Matter?

Imagine the sentence: “I can’t wait to see you.” With quick notes and an energetic rhythm, it might sound exciting. With slow notes and quiet chords, the exact same words could sound lonely or sad.

Music changes the way we understand the words. Lyrics can also change the way we hear a melody. A tune that sounds cheerful on its own may feel completely different once certain words are added.

There Is No Correct Way to Start

There is no rule saying that lyrics or music must come first. The important part is discovering how the two can become one song.