Firsts Quote by Adam Duritz
“It's always music first, or melody and words together, but never words first.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Music Philosophy, 2004
Music precedes lyrics; melody shapes words, not the reverse.
In simple terms: Music comes before words.
Prioritize musical feel.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- poetry
- film scoring
- advertising jingles
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does melody guide your writing?
- When do words lead?
Some genres start with lyrics; flexibility is needed.