So I've have some ideas for a song I want to write. But the problem is that I don't know what to do first, lyrics or melody. For the songwriters, which is easier for you?

I use to write lyrics first: it's easier for me to search a melody to fit certain mood if I know what the lyrics say ... I can't stand those uptempo songs with sad lyrics talking about the misery of the singer!  

The melody is the hard part, when I haven't got enough syllables to certain phrase I use oh's in the first approach and fill the blanks after that   ...

I know that some people can't work like this, I've written lyrics to demos with just "vowel movement" (so Rolling Stones call it) and it's easy if you've got freedom to write about anything you want but it's not the way I work ... try once and twice and then you'll see how to do it better ... you won't find a magic rule!

I Always write Lyrics, then try to come up with the rest.

I almost always start with the music first and sing old lyrics to it  - I change them later! But there are a few songs of mine where I have written the lyrics first... such as this: http://www.geocities.com/the_end_gb/liverpool.htm

I always write lyrics first, since I am crap at writing melodies.

We have about 6 or 7 instrumentals!!!

I'm not a songwriter, but doesn't it just happen? I mean, if a tune comes into your head first then get it down. Or if the lyrics come first, do that. You can always alter both to make them fit in.

Or am I being too naive?

I write fiction. Sometimes I have a definate idea of where it's going and other times I just go where it takes me. Sometimes there's a title, and a structure, and others not. It really depends on what comes out.

i write lyrics first, mainly cause i dont have a band to do melodies

Quoted from BlueMeanie

I'm not a songwriter, but doesn't it just happen? I mean, if a tune comes into your head first then get it down. Or if the lyrics come first, do that. You can always alter both to make them fit in.

Or am I being too naive?

I write fiction. Sometimes I have a definate idea of where it's going and other times I just go where it takes me. Sometimes there's a title, and a structure, and others not. It really depends on what comes out.

I also Love to write. Too many ideas written down,started , etc.............

I usually can't write the lyrics first. I might have an idea, but generally the lyrics and chords come together. I literally play with a sheet of paper, and keep stopping/starting to write, cross out, revise, etc. Once I get the basic structure, I can often write the second, third verses, but I have to develop them together. The music sets the mood (but I'm not a very good musician, so this is probably because I can't write appropriate music unless I have it at creation time).

I also write fiction! I love it. I'm always fine as long as I have my last line. To me, that's the anchor.

Quoted from harihead

I also write fiction! I love it. I'm always fine as long as I have my last line. To me, that's the anchor.

Me too! After a long hiatus (several decades) I'm trying to write again (want to try and get published b4 I die.) I have the beginning and the last line, but the middle is a mystery until it happens. Thanks harihead - that gives me hope.,

Quoted from Revolution

I also Love to write. Too many ideas written down,started , etc.............

I've found the trick that works for me is (like most things) is to do a little each day. Even if it's only a line. Just don't let yourself dryup.

Quoted from Kevin

I've found the trick that works for me is (like most things) is to do alittle each day. Even if it's only a line. Just don't let yourself dryup.

Thanx for the advice!!!!!!!

Quoted from Kevin

I have the beginning and the last line, but the middle is a mystery until it happens. Thanks harihead - that gives me hope.,

There's an exercise people do in improvisational comedy that reminds me of writing. The mentor arranges the various participants in weird, convoluted postures. The goal is to create a 2-minute skit where, without it being a dance or a fight, the people end up in this weird posture. They ALWAYS get there-- and come up with some very creative imaginings along the way. If you know where you're going, you can reach the end. (The same philosophy, alternatively phrased, of George's "Any Road".)  

i also write poems, fiction, screenplays

i dont think ill be a writer