When you write a song, do you start with lyrics or a melody?

[Don]

Some people hear a melody and then set words to it. Others hear "poetry" and then set music to it. Which way do you prefer?

[Edie]

Well, Don, the simple answer is that it varies from
person to person and from song to song. All of these
methods are good.
My project this year is publishing my fifth book,
"Music Songs"--a mix of pop with lyrics, classical,
country and hymns.
Send me your email address and I will send you a sample,
written with Sibelius software.
Edie Schmoll

[[deleted user]]

Well, it depends, really. When I write a "song," I typically start with a feeling that tends to express itself in chords, and then the chords find a melody and the melody finds the words. But, that being said, I have written music for my own poetry - usually in the form of classical composition; and I have written music for other people's existing lyrics.

If you get classical training in theory and composition, you learn how to set words to music as a part of the training. It can be very helpful to be able to work both ways, or nearly work simultaneously with both ways altogether.

Some songwriters like to take an existing melody from another song (I read that John Lennon used to do this) and then write completely new lyrics to the melody, and then change the melody later.

I think that the key is to find where your strengths are and to work from your strengths. That being said,, classical training, while it might seem rather regimented at first, can expand your horizons as well - once you have had the time to absorb it and make it your own.

Best of luck to you! :)

(I just realized that this is a rather old thread - nevertheless - if my answer helps anyone, then I am glad)!