Thought I would chime in. I write the lyrics first then start working with the guitar to find the feel of the song that fits the words. Then play and sing over and over, adding and removing parts until it works.
It takes me a long time to finish a song and I work on many at a time, work on one until I’m sick of it then go right into the next one in the same sitting. I don’t have any real down time when it comes to song writing. I’m always working on them. I have way more lyrics then I will ever get to and too many songs to record. Hopefully I will get Sonar Artist up and running this weekend. :) 

Jesse Screed

Rimshot
iPhone voice recorder because I commute to work every day. If I don't capture the idea, it's gone.
 
I don't have anyone to answer too but my fellow forum songwriters and myself.
 
 gross imperfections of some of my work. 
 
 I don't take any of it for granted. 
 

 
Rim shot, you nailed it (no pun intended.)  Except I disagree on one thing, and that is this, you have no one but yourself to answer to.
 
Gross imperfections?  Have you seen my earlobes?
 
Jesse Q. Screed

Jesse, you got those big, droopy ear lobes?  That's kinda cool.  I haven't seen many rockers with those.