How do I match the tune with what I want to talk about?

Here's a question from Matt: (this is a condensed versions of the question).

I make melodies on my guitar, and then I try to add lyrics, but for some reason, it is hard to match the tune with what I want to talk about, if you understand. Any tips?

Thanks for the question Matt.

What most people in this predicament fail to realise (and I too am a victim) is that writing melodies first and then writing lyrics second is probably the more difficult route. Even though in my songwriting tips I do state that you should at least get down SOMETHING to start off with, I'm also going to say that starting off with writing melodies first means you may suffer with matching your lyrics to your tune.

Try to write the words first...

This isn't the case for everybody, but for those who are in this boat, I'd advise you to at least try to write the lyrics first - and then writing the melody after those lyrics. I think you may be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.

Now in the beginning, when you try and write lyrics first, you'll probably find it quite difficult. This isn't because you're a bad lyricist... but more because by default your brain is probably thinking up a melody simultaneously. This is especially common for those of us who are musicians first. We tend to think in terms of melodies, chords and even rhythm and orchestration. Lyrics tend to flow later. This is totally natural.

For this very reason it's important for us to at least TRY write the lyrics first. You may even find that when you try this approach that the songwriting process may double in speed.

When you've gotten used to this process, you can try to mix and match. Things should flow a lot easier after that.

Find a lyrical co-writer...

Another (popular) approach is to find a co-writer. Somebody who writes the lyrics. Think of Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. They are one of the most successful songwriting duo's the history of popular music ...and their methods are very simple. Bernie writes the lyrics - then he send the words to Elton, who then writes the melodies and chords to them. It's simple and it works like a charm. :-) They don't even write in the same room!

Don't let ego get the best of you...

I know that there are some songwriters out there who have a massive ego problem. They won't collaborate with anyone because they think they will 'steal their ideas' or maybe they don't want to 'share the credit' with anyone. Let me tell you first hand that with this kind of attitude it will be hard to totally maximise you're potential as a writer.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather write a great song with a co-writer than a crappy one by myself. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not saying that you shouldn't improve yourself as a songwriter and that finding someone with solve all your songwriting troubles. What I AM saying, is that finding a co-writer who compliments you're talents (ie. fills in the missing pieces) can do wonders for your songs.

Don't let ego stop you in your tracks. It's not worth it.

Shamir