Songwriting Process: Melody Before Lyrics

The songwriting process varies significantly among artists, with some prioritizing melody and others beginning with lyrics. This approach was highlighted in a recent discussion surrounding Baby Nova’s song, “Too Pretty for Buffalo,” where the interplay between musical composition and lyrical development came to the forefront.

A translated statement from an interview with the artist reveals insights into their collaborative process. I don’t think the lyrics had taken shape yet at that point, but the melody, yes. We wrote the verses together.

I don’t think the lyrics had taken shape yet at that point, but the melody, yes. We wrote the verses together.

Baby Nova (translated from French)

This suggests a melody-first approach, where the musical foundation is established before crafting the lyrical content. This method isn’t unique to Baby Nova, as demonstrated by other artists’ techniques.

Diverse Approaches to Songwriting

John Legend, for example, reportedly prefers to start with the melody, finding chords and then developing vocal lines. Conversely, John Prine was known to write lyrics first, often while performing his job as a mail carrier, and then composing the music afterward. Dua Lipa’s hit “Levitating” originated as a beat and keyboard riff created by producer Koz, with the melody and lyrics added later.

These examples, as detailed in an article from American Songwriter, illustrate that there’s no single “correct” way to write a song. The order in which lyrics, melody, and harmony are developed can vary greatly depending on the artist and the specific song.

The benefit of writing lyrics first, according to American Songwriter, lies in the lyrics’ ability to influence subsequent musical decisions. The message, tone, and style of the lyrics can dictate the key, tempo, and overall feel of the song. Inspirational or love-themed lyrics might naturally lend themselves to a major key, while melancholic themes could inspire a minor key or a mode like Dorian.

Conversely, starting with the music can provide a strong emotional foundation for the lyrics. As Hannah Trigwell, a songwriter, noted in a blog post from January 21, 2026, many songwriters, including herself, will figure out a chord progression or melody first and then work the lyrics and vocal melody around that. This approach allows the music to set the mood and provide a structure for the lyrical content.

will figure out a chord progression or melody first and then work the lyrics and vocal melody around that.

Hannah Trigwell

Trigwell further explains that having a pre-existing melody can make it easier to structure lyrics, providing a foundation upon which to build. This method is particularly useful when arranging different parts of a song.

The Importance of Lyrical Craft

Regardless of whether lyrics or melody come first, the craft of lyric writing is crucial. According to a post on Ritmo Studio, effective lyrics should be succinct, avoiding overcrowding, and focused on a central theme. Songwriters should consider the emotions they want to evoke in listeners and choose words that effectively convey those feelings.

The Ritmo Studio article highlights the importance of leaving space for the melody to play its part, suggesting that lyrics should complement, rather than compete with, the music. This balance is essential for creating a cohesive and impactful song.

the most effective songwriting approach is the one that works best for the individual artist. Whether starting with lyrics, melody, or a combination of both, the key is to find a process that fosters creativity and allows for the development of compelling and meaningful songs, as demonstrated by the diverse methods of artists like Baby Nova, John Legend, John Prine, and Dua Lipa.