Bob you're so right about loving the song, otherwise steps 2 and up just don't happen for me. Well except for the ones TFT is talking about, which are absorbed against one's will!

DC, that's a pretty good summary. The only thing I'd mention is that usually the melody anchors my learning and the words take more time to become part of it over time. But sometimes the words are magic and become quickly absorbed, in which case the tune and harmonies (intstrumental parts and/or voices) fit into, and around, the poetry over time. If that makes any sense at all.

Before performing, to check if I like the way I've put it together, I just use a small digital voice recorder; the sound is good through the ear buds for that purpose anyway.