its true that the music usually leads to the lyrics. sometimes all you have is a poem. making a song out of just lyrics is more of a challenge. figuring out the rhythmic pattern would be the first obstacle. my better half writes poetry and when she reads it the rhythm can be discerned if listened to carefully. and the objects can be dodged that are thrown from asking for another re-reading again and again. takes dexterity and finesse. it's a fine balance - art!

of course we should start out with the best. please observe the master progression writer Mr. Fagan on you tube;

Donald Fagen talks about JOSIE pt 2

taught him that - I wish! lol!

Most of the time one leads to the other.