ive been debating with myself. help

Melody first. Make up a melody in your head, then put words to it...although usually my melody is centered around a few words that I use to limit notes per line.

The majority of the people that you ask this question to will say tempo (melody)... But that still might not be the best way for you. Just do which ever you find easiest or whichever allows you to write better songs. I personally also find the melody first. Sometimes I will put the melody to music that I've already written out, or I will come up with a melody in my head and then write the music to go along with it. This is the standard way to go about it... I believe.

You should pick tempo last it gives you time I pick my tempo while I write I find it very easy to pick lyrics and tempo. :cool:

well, I'm pants with lyrics, so it's a no-brainer for me... :p