I actually have the opposit problem; I have an easier time coming up with melodys then words (I think its from my initial music background being instramental rather then vocal); I've also been having an easier time coming up with choruses rather then versis of late. I also have problems where I get so locked on the tune, I have a hard time getting the words to match. *chagrin*
That being said; You might look into some of the 'classical rules of partwriting'- these have music theory's embedded about notes leading to other notes in a 'logical' method.
I had to think a bit to break down my own process; but here's what I tend to do when I do come up with words before the music is locked in:
I try to start by choosing major/minor tones - then just pick a note. Start singing all the words on that note- this usally helps me figure out the 'cadence', tempo, and rythem. (And whether the words are going to trip me up while singing). Since it gets boring singing one note, the note tends to drift up or down rather organically.
Depending on how I want the phrasing to go- or if I noodle something I really like, I'll repeat that (usually into my traveling tape recorder) so I'll remember it later. I'm also a sucker for a good chord progression. After a while of doing this, a song starts to take shape along with tweaking with it to try to make it more 'singable' overall.
My songs "Ivy", "Lament of Blackjack's Lady", "Maid of Lorraine", and "(Working title:) What happens when...", "(Working title:)Scriptorium" were written this way.
no subject
That being said; You might look into some of the 'classical rules of partwriting'- these have music theory's embedded about notes leading to other notes in a 'logical' method.
I had to think a bit to break down my own process; but here's what I tend to do when I do come up with words before the music is locked in:
I try to start by choosing major/minor tones - then just pick a note. Start singing all the words on that note- this usally helps me figure out the 'cadence', tempo, and rythem. (And whether the words are going to trip me up while singing). Since it gets boring singing one note, the note tends to drift up or down rather organically.
Depending on how I want the phrasing to go- or if I noodle something I really like, I'll repeat that (usually into my traveling tape recorder) so I'll remember it later. I'm also a sucker for a good chord progression.
After a while of doing this, a song starts to take shape along with tweaking with it to try to make it more 'singable' overall.
My songs "Ivy", "Lament of Blackjack's Lady", "Maid of Lorraine", and "(Working title:) What happens when...", "(Working title:)Scriptorium" were written this way.