Theory on melody and lyrics

[flood]

I believe there is only one set of words that is perfect for any given melody. What I suggest is full of contradictions and filled with logic problems but makes sense on its own terms. At least I think so. You may disagree, and I would happily agree, which is yet another conundrum about my thought.I believe that a melody is a "found thing". You may arrive at it from a dream, from an idea, from many hours of painstakingly crafting the tones.But I believe there is only ONE, and ONLY one, set of lyrics that is perfect for the melody you have found, created, or extracted.Sometimes it is the first lyrical idea that crosses your mind, but for me, it usually takes much longer.Give yourself (and your subconscious) enough time, turn it over in your head and dreams, take the time to really get to know the melody. Often, for me, the melody sounds like it is already concealing syllables. A sort of musical crossword puzzle, if you will.Eventually, the lyric will appear, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but it will show up.I never try to force my words onto a melody. I think that does an injustice to my creative spirit and robs the melody of its real potential.You may disagree. You may call me nuts. That's fine.I won't disagree.I will allow that any two people will arrive at different lyrics for any given melody, and that is fine too. It doesn't change my premise, because my perfect melody is not yours.But if they are given the time to grow and you carefully nurture them from a dream or the result of hard work, they will flower completely in your mind.Short them, and they will, in turn, short you.I just finished spending 9 months thinking about lyrics for one song.In the last few days I completed another song in its entirety, start to finish. I dreamed the key, intervals and chords. Slowly it came into focus.I also believe that lyrics grow at their own pace. Some come sooner, others take time.My perfect lyric is not yours, nor should it be. If yours is perfect for you, it is perfect for the melody. And will be honest.I suppose I think that is the most important thing. Honest lyrics, or honest within their scope.Currently, I was reading a lyric about a Christian Murderer on another forum here. What struck me? The lyrics were a bit flawed in small areas (but whose aren't?).More importantly, it was absolute truth within the context of the narrator. It was straight-on, thus opening the author to some criticism. I applaud the efforts of anyone who tells the truth of the melody or song. That truth may not be attractive to everyone, or even to the author. But it IS the truth, within the scope of the idea or song.And that is to be treasured.It really is a gift.Best wishes, and thanks for tolerating me!Leon