Q: do you sometimes make lyrics like as a placeholder? i mean, like they're there more for you to sing the melody with purpose and less to impart meaning?
A: very rarely. it's much better to get the real thing on the first try. melodies are licensed to do unexpected things when they're with the right lyric, and lyrics are licensed to do unexpected things when it's sung right. which is why i think it's so important to focus on both at the same time