Which comes first, the melody or the lyric?
Which approach do most professionals use?

Dear Nancy,

As a songwriting teacher I am often asked this question and I can't give you a definite answer.

For some writers the lyrics come first, while for others the melody. Sometimes words and music appear simultaneously.

I can only speak for my own experience. I usually write my lyrics first because melody is so second nature to me. Though I can write music very quickly, lyrics take more time and effort. I generally start with a title, song concept and at least a working chorus lyric.

However, I know of many lyricists who prefer a previously written melody or at least a rhythm track before they start creating with words.

Each writer's or writing team's modus operandi  is different, and may change on different days or with a different projects.

If there was a one-hundred-percent successful formula for writing a hit song, believe me, we'd all be doing it. I say start with the part of the song that comes to you first and develop it from there. Good luck in generating some successful songs.