Just about every way imaginable. Each song comes in it's own way and at it's own pace. That said, I think I've only set out to write two or three songs in my whole life. I've had major portions of songs come in dreams, I've had them come fast and furious, and some that took months of living with to finally come together. I've never written lyrics first, but have occasioanlly added words to a melody. Twice, at last count.

Jerry