All the while the melody is still being shaped, a “hook” is being searched for and just the right amount of variety and repetition, unity and contrast are used to give the song meaningful structure; i.e. introduction, verse, chorus, bridge, etc. Of course Andrew or which ever musician he was writing with would often predetermine the structure with the chord sequence.

Strong cadence points in the song are given key words initially then the other gaps are filled in.

Then more lyrics are added like filling in a jigsaw.

until he is happy with a basic melodic shape.

At first the melodies are evolving in Michael’s mind but he uses nonsense sounds…