The etymology of 'melos' is ancient and initially did not pertain unto lyrical music but meant 'member' or 'part' of the body.
the ancient Greek word 'melos' has its origins in the Indo-European word 'mel', which means 'part of the whole' and relates to the notion of combining the parts of the whole. The meaning of 'melos' in a musical context ('musical composition') came later in history. In this context 'melody' is synonymous with 'melos' and is simply the combination of 'melos' and 'ode'. 'Ode' is derived from the ancient word 'aoidos' (the person who sings epic poems).
Of course, this raises the philosophical question: can any melody ever be anything more than a part of the eternal song of creation? In singing a song to the Creator, do we ourselves play a small part in perpetuating the divine act of creation?
