I never write a tune before the lyrics. I get the lyrics…
“I never write a tune before the lyrics. I get the lyrics and then I write around them. Some people write music and the lyrics come along and they say, 'Oh yeah, I've got something to fit that.' If that's the way people write songs, I feel like you might as well just go to the supermarket.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker prefers creating lyrics first, then composing music around them, implying that starting with music feels arbitrary.
In simple terms: Write lyrics first, then music.
Prioritize lyrics before melody.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing songs
- collaborative projects
- music production
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel lyrics shape your musical ideas?
- How does this method affect song cohesion?
Some artists find music inspires lyrics, so the reverse may limit spontaneity.