Writing words and music to create songs that last down through many generations is very interesting to me. What gives a song such longevity? Is it because it was included in some memorable show? Is it because it was performed by some popular artist? Is it because the melody and lyric are paired so well that they go on to take on a life of their own? (Probably all of the above.) Songs don't usually last very long on the popularity scale. They must be promoted some way to give them longevity.
The portrayed way Rodgers and Hart worked together was so foreign to the way I write songs. Rodgers would write the music completely --- not just a melodic idea or a chord progression, but completely. Then Hart would write words (taking his own sweet time) to fit the layout of the music. I am not so sure this is true, but it is how their collaboration was depicted in the movie.
Many composer/lyricist teams sit in the same room and banter their ideas back and forth to come up with a song. Sometimes the words come first, or an idea that is based off dialogue in a play, or text from scripture, and so forth. Other teams have meetings to discuss ideas, then go off and work separately. Some pop groups sit in the studio and "write" as they lay down tracks. The song just synergizes from everybody's input in the session. I guess different authors have their unique ways of writing together.
Creating a song or arrangement or a show has always been something that I do on my own. I simply don't know if I could write with a collaborator because I have never had anyone to collaborate with. Sure, I have had people that give me inspiration or feedback, but I still need that space to write alone.
It is still a mystery to me how songs take on a life of their own. Maybe someday one of my songs will reach multi-generational longevity...
Here are a few children's songs that might have a chance. "Let Kindness Begin with Me," "Good Mornin' Sunshine," and "My Baptism Covenant"