Writing songs for “a bunch of friends” or someone in particular may be the best kinds of songs as they’re likely full of authentic emotion; something that is often missing from the most famous, well-produced “masterpieces” that the industry tries to drill into our subconscious.

No time is wasted if someone is genuinely moved by a song, "warts and all". What could be more important?

I also think it doesn’t matter whether lyrics or music come first or at the same time, etc. There’s more than one way to write a song. Those with intuition/talent/awareness can write something that others hear words in or music in the words, and make a connection; ultimately creating a moving song. Sometimes that involves more than one person.

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write,
if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be,
he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist