What comes first. Music or lyrics?

[lucidlou]

Originally Posted by 40 oz

Every band I've ever been in has written the music, or at least the main riff or hook first. The the singer would put lyrics to it.

Same here, but I'm not opposed to working the other way around. It just hasn't happened yet.

[Bellringer]

I realize now that the process is based on a lot of different factors. When I was in a band it seemed that most songs were music first. Musicians creating cool rhythms and melodies together. Words would come together as the music grew. Not being the singer, it felt like the words were created to fit around the melody.
If I am using technology that has easy to use sequencing, the words tend to come later.
If I am in the mood, I will sometimes work on lyrics that have been waiting for something to do or some new words that have been inspiring me.
So I find it all really varies based on people involved, gear being used, and if you have something important to say.

[dolivas]

i tend to sing or hum along while i play something with substance(substance being music thats anyone would want to hear). when i play for mood or for ambience(music that only i would want to hear or that's me just messing around with fx and stuff) i dont put any lyrics or sing along i just picture things or visualize stuff simple as that.

[oomlat]

The music comes first. The melody and lyrics come more out of improvising over the music. It's like free thought meets french surrealism.
I've never written the lyrics before the music... But some of the ideas probably come from writings I do ...
Wouldn't it be fun to sit in a bar and write down what people are saying around you... put it all together in a song. People say the funniest things sometimes.

[Nubus]

I've done that before, it can be a good writing exercise.