Which Comes First, Music or Lyrics?

Should music or lyrics come first? As a composer/lyricist who has collaborated and
also written alone, I can answer this question from both sides of the fence. There are
no fixed rules, despite the insistence of songwriters on all sides that one method is superior
to the other. The only rules necessary are the ones you personally apply to each
individual partnership.
If you begin collaborating with a partner who demands that you adhere strictly to his
or her style of working, you should cut off the relationship immediately and search
for someone else to work with. You both have to function in a way that’s natural to
your basic style and personality.
Sometimes the songwriting process is extremely simple and friction-free: The lyricist
comes up with a complete set of words, and the tune writer hands his or her partner a
finished melody. Whether the words or music come first or second is irrelevant. The
division of labor in such cases can be clear to the point where each partner accepts
the other’s contribution without any suggestions.
More often, though, writing roles vary. Even if the lyricist doesn’t contribute a specific
note of music, he or she may have some strong ideas about how to strengthen
the tune. The melody writer might notice a cliché and feel that some word substitutions
would make the line fresher and more original. Both people must remain open
to the other’s viewpoint.