Lyrics in Progress

You can work either way. When I write lyrics for Motorplanet (a blues-rock trio from Bremerhaven) I write the text to existing music. Holger sends recordings of complete compositions. Only the text he sings is 'Gibberish' (some English sounding nonsense text). I then count syllables, observe the intonation, and try to invent a text which goes well with the mood of the music.

When I write for myself I often have a tune in my head for the chorus. I couldn't tell which comes first, tune or text. As to the verses I use to write the lyrics first with only a vague idea for the melody.

Can you start with a just chord progression or a riff? Sure! AC/DC are famous for their riffs. If you stripped off the guitar parts of their songs there would be not much left of a melody. Quite obviously, they have the riffs first and then add verses and a chorus to match. Compare their songs with the Beatles' "Yesterday", for example. So, it can be done - and normally you can hear it!

My own "Jumpy" started as a little guitar exercise, i.e. a riff. I recorded it and called it "jumpy" becaues it reminded me of jumping or leaping creatures like frogs or so. Being well aware of the meaning, I kept the title and wrote a text to match it. My next little project will also begin with a riff, a little power chord exercise this time. Therefore, its provisional title is "power".