Should I Write Lyrics Or Music First?

Today I answer that age-old question; what is best to write first, music or lyrics?
Nicola x
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[@siennablack4690]

I always write lyrics, and the lyrics have a tune and everything but I don't know how to write the music.

[@dharminderram5246]

I am a producer, watch also my instagram profile @humble_kid_2002 and dm me.

[@kcchameleonprodz]

sienna black Same!

[@trlittletim]

I had the same problem but I got a note recognizer on my phone and carried the note until it told me what it was. It really helped.

[@itsme5981]

TRLittleTim do you know what it was called

[@homixgudlyf9001]

❤️❤️

[@brittneysmith3065]

For me the song lyrics and melody come spontaneously and both at the same time.

[@Singerssecret]

That happens to me too :)

[@owenathanael]

Love the joke in the beginning.

[@Singerssecret]

Hahaha! Thanks :)

[@llamasoxschwartz7185]

Pure sarcasm

[@lwhs3552]

@@llamasoxschwartz7185 I actually liked it so idk buddy I think that's just you don't kill the vibe

[@bottomtext9999]

This was great! I write alternative/ grunge rock songs and it depends on if I want a slow or fast song. If I write a song to be fast and upbeat then I write music first. If I'm writing a slow song, or a kind of acoustic-rock song, then I'll do lyrics and minimal amount of music, because I'll want the lyrics to stand out more. Thanks again for the video!

[@Singerssecret]

My pleasure ! :)

[@googooeyez1320]

Dude. Grunge is the type of music I want to write. I'm so happy to see another person like that. Now a days most people don't even know the name grunge. I hope yours turns out to be good. I'm not very creative. And just generally suck at making words sound good. In metaphors. :(

[@lylewhite479]

Music always first for me. I sit down and jam and when I come across a riff that I like I build on it and write a basic version of the whole song. Then I listen to it and imagine what the "cool" version of each section would sound like. Then I go through section by section giving it the "updated version" until I hear the version that is in my head. It's like making a soup. The first version is just the water veggies and meat but the magic isn't there until you add salt pepper garlic and so on. Once you have the song tasting just right, only then can I sit back and really take in how it tastes and how it makes me feel. When these emotions start to come then it's time to get your pen. Repeat the same process with the lyrics. Write down how you feel. It doesn't have to rhyme at first just get the lay out done then go back and spice up your lyrics with some rhyme and a pinch of thyme. This recipe has never failed me and I hope this finds someone who needs it. Blessings

[@eeshanade8245]

Thank uuuuuuuuu

[@westonadams7135]

Lyle White sounds like a famous musicians name

[@ronaldhunter900]

I've tried both...But I usually have an idea come to mind when not expected, so I'll sing it into my phone recorder.That will have hook type lyrics and melody together.I'll play the recording in front of my guitar tuner and see the notes so I can tell what key it is and then figure out a chord progression

[@springtank]

Whatever your beautiful inner voice guides you to do is correct.

[@missnikkigiron]

I have to say I barely ever write lyrics first, melodies come so easy to me. I have such a hard time writing to lyrics, I always figure out lyrics as I go.

[@paulelverstone8677]

You look like you're having a lot of fun. I've always enjoyed writing lyrics but my melodies always sounded like something I'd heard before. Going to check out a few more vids. Subscribed... :o)

[@Singerssecret]

Thanks for the Sub!

[@bribrinicodemus9866]

same! whenever I come up with a Melody it's sounds the same as something else😂

[@Yume-AW]

When I listen to instrumentals, I realise they have a certain instrument that is making the sound in time with the vocals that have been extracted to make the instrumental. I think this helps so that they know what melody and which line they’re supposed to be speaking

[@idkhow]

i suck at melodies but i could write lyrics all day.. the rare chance that i come up with a melody i have no clue how to put my lyrics to it

[@jessicas4530]

Same!!

[@jivanbansi9640]

The music is in the words, the frequencies go up and down naturally. Sing aloud, start with clapping a monotone rhythm.

[@itsmegod3781]

I always think of lyrics first and when I get the chance to write them I always forget what I thought of.

[@AddilynneLastname]

if you're gonna write lyrics first it helps a lot to stick to a meter, like if you're writing the music with the stresses on beats on 2 and 4 writing iambicly usually works really well, if you're writing the music with the stress on beats 1 and 3 writing trochaicly works in the same way, also to help this just drum (i usually drum on my belly) with the stresses on 2 and 4 or 1 and 3 respectively as you write and it just makes sure all the stresses are in the right place in your lyrics and you can even leave a couple beats between lines to get away with a little more, also keep in mind usually the verses are for the story and the choruses are for mostly theme and emotion not to contain part of the story, if you're better at writing lyrics it can help to write lyrics first as long as you follow these tips or find a way that works for you because than the music won't step on the lyrics, but if you're better at writing music it can help to write the music first then do the lyrics that way the lyrics won't step on the music, either way they have to work together, and whichever you're better at will most likely be what people like about your music anyway so it's best to let that part shine and make that part as good as it can be, try both ways and see what produces the best results, and remember you don't have to do it the same way every time

[@1mataleo1]

Just what I have been looking for. I have really been stuck lately, so this is exactly the type of thing I need to work on. Thanks a lot.

[@ronwilliams1094]

I think what works best for me is to scat a melody to work out rhythm and phrasing then write to lyrics to that.

[@yesnobabu]

Lyric of a song or poem or anything must have a defined metre which will rhyme or rhythm the words.......Only then it can be made in to music .......You can't just right whatever that comes out of your mouth.......A meterical form of language is important to write poetically

[@abelguillen869]

Your energy is IT.

[@spoilerman8975]

You are limited when you write your lyrics first. How can you hum a Melody to match your lyrics in your head, that is so limited. When you put a few chord progressions together the lyrics will come with the emotion, and it will be broad not just simple up and down lyric.

[@nameless6708]

Lyrics come so easily to me, but melodies are the hardest part

[@eeshanade8245]

A recent comment thank Goddd Ikrrrr So what can i do if i Can't play an instrument? For the melody?

[@nameless6708]

Yay another recent person! I have a keyboard & guitar so I just play what sounds good, I have a few videos that helped me make a melody without knowing how to play

[@nameless6708]

@@eeshanade8245 ooh You could also get like an app? Idk maybe a keyboard one & mess around with it

[@esterlynejuing1014]

For me both also can...depends how your inspiration comes first

[@FounderGamingYT]

Thanks

[@thekookiecat8647]

I naturally begin with a melody I make my own or be inspired from a song that uses a certain melody and just drop my lyrics into it

[@HernanLopezMereles]

I've already said how much I like your videos so now I'll only point this out. Nice haircut Nicola!!!

[@Singerssecret]

Thanks!!! The hairdresser actually took off a lot more than I thought she would (as they usually do). I was like 'just give me a trim'... 10cms of hair cut off later... so I'm glad you like it! :)

[@MrSuperdrydrums]

I'd love to write my own songs because I often have melodies or lyrics or both stuck in my head but I'm not talented to play an instrument or sing it out loud!

[@z9ize]

You can be a songwriter,work with a producer and hum your melodies out to a person who can sing their ass off!

[@sumgowda6386]

Finally found someone who can answer it .. thanks

[@Singerssecret]

You're welcome! All my new vids are now here: kzbin.info

[@googo151]

I GO BACK AND FORTH. I HEAR SOMETHING IN MY BRAIN, WITH NO LYRICS, BUT I HEAR A MELODY. I PUT THAT DOWN FIRST BY HUMMING IT INTO A RECORDER, THEN I'LL START LAYERING THE LYRICS DOWN. I CHANGE TEMPOS AND TIME SIGNATURES A BIT, SINCE I WAS FOR SO MANY YEARS, A LATIN JAZZ AND SALSA, MUSICIAN.

[@noaholdelk9045]

I appreciate the knowledgeable information. You're such a great KZbinr. I love the interaction you give.

[@Singerssecret]

Thanks!!! :)

[@marcosff19]

very helpfull videos thank you its helped me write some lyrics. I can do everything constructing a song but once i get to the lyric part my mind goes blank .

[@CallumMcPherson]

Some great advice here - I'm definitely more of a melody-writing person so I'm going to try working on my lyrics first and see if it helps to get me out of my creative block! Do you ever find it's more difficult to sing on pitch when there are multiple notes within a single lyric syllable, like at 4:09? I find it quite easy to stay on pitch when each note is a different syllable (like in your second example), but when I try to "slide" between multiple notes within a syllable it becomes much more difficult. It's hard to explain, but it's as if syllables give my voice something to latch onto which makes staying on pitch easier. I thought this might be a good topic for a video as it doesn't seem to get talked about very much :)

[@Singerssecret]

You are right - it is more difficult to sing multiple notes accurately (i.e melismatic singing) because you don't have the lips and tongue to help pitch. It all has to come from muscle strength and correct resonance placement. Will definitely do a video on this :)

[@nameless6708]

I prefer to do lyrivs but my piano skills are a bit mehhh

[@spoilerman8975]

How can you write lyrics down if you don't know what the chords is going to sound like. if you're writing lyrics and let's say you're going up like one two three four in a chord progression. What if your chord progression is say 1324 or 1423. You can't make lyrics up to those in your head, you need to hear them first, that is my point.

[@Miniescapes]

Thank you, & 'That singing'''''' loved your voice.

[@acr9562]

you are so talented. Thank you for your videos!

[@JD-uj5cp]

My favorite quote is from Robert Frost home is where when you need to go there they have to take you in

[@Singerssecret]

I LOVE Robert Frost!

[@allykayyy2683]

Isn't it kind of...way easier.... To write your feelings first and base the melody on the flow of that than doing the melody first and having to decide how to say something that makes sense based on the constraints of that melody?

[@yerriswamyk.m6530]

How can is know the chord progression of song and melody of the progression and write down of notes. Do you have any video regarding this.

[@sujayanarula3913]

Thanks Nicola, this is exactly what I wanted to know about, appreciate your detailed explanation😃

[@PRODBYASIRO]

I rap because a want to be a major rapper and I find it way easier to write first and then do the beat.

[@karelslavik2739]

Thank you!

[@OliverHeuschele]

Great video and hints :-) My handicap is that I have a bunch of lyrics (which I can write spontaneously in "special mood") and now I don't find a matching melody on my e-guitar. My experience in harmonic theory is really less (my shame). Have you further hints how I can find matching melodies for my lyrics (they are really dark).

[@Tanya_SingWinStudio]

This was a wow video

[@Lous_taunau]

really love your tuts-talks!!!

[@newtoatheism5968]

I don’t know why I always start with the lyrics first do you have a video on melodies

[@filmmakingking3353]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@aurorameddle953]

Thank you for the great video I love to compose instrumental music and a couple of my tracks have done really well. I have written lyrics but I am very self conscious of my voice I am a newbie at singing and I have more cracking then a asphalt road. Recently I was asked to a audition and I was rather reluctant because I compose music alone but I thought it would be good for me. The group were old Rolling Stone wanna be's and there comments before they got intoxicated and then after were well nasty to say the least. This had me question the reason why I do music and if I was just wasting time and oxygen it left me in the dumps. I came across a few of your videos and have become a subscriber I really appreciate how well you instruct and your sense of humor lifted me out of the dumps. I hope to find my voice and begin to sing on some of my videos soon . Thank you again for the great videos Aurora Meddle

[@arezkibouriche2286]

One day u'll get there m8, Just keep ur head straight and u'll get there!

[@AndreasLiberos]

This is amazing advice 👌🏽

[@Shaun_Remington869]

I do lyrics and flow then try to make a melody

[@PokeTwilight]

Really love this vid! Can I ask a question, how do I make sure the lyrics matches the melody. For example, for an RnB song, how do I write lyrics to fit the melody of the song?

[@JoeMedrek]

I love your advice ❤️

[@clemrecords2548]

First video from you I see and...I may get subscribed soon.

[@DKomnicide]

totally in the same boat. Melodies come much easier than lyrics

[@KaneRhapsody]

this really helped me!

[@MidnightChordChannel]

home girl played the lick like no one would notice

[@furryz666]

We just hire max martin

[@markvickery5894]

Lyrics definitely lyrics

[@gumie3579]

If it had cut to black for a second, then she said just kidding. I would've died! That would have been funny

[@inflintity]

Neither…… 🤔

[@Miguel-ed3ft]

k i just suscribed bc of that joke xD and also very good tutorials thanks :)

[@ryleyferrari]

I write music first

[@KevinWidesouls]

Asking if we’ve heard of Robert Frost is akin to asking if we’ve heard of The Rolling Stones 😂 But seriously, this was a great video!

[@brotheradamfromups]

Shows up to video, having never seen her vids before and hears "That was a lime joke." Legit took me 10 minutes realised she was saying lame.

[@MegaSuperAwesomeBros]

You should get out more.