The Art of Creating (or Not Creating) Controversial Lyrics

As ideas and musical passages for my next CD are beginning to take form, I’m finding myself again faced with the challenge of intertwining meaningful lyrics into some relatively complex, non-commercial music. Along the way I’ve read some interesting articles, one by a controversial philosopher, and am planning to base a piece of work around an essay from this individual.

I’m curious about some of your own personal experiences with lyric writing and how you’ve approached handling sensitive material. How far have you taken a concept? How much self-censorship have you exercised when writing? Is there such a thing as going too far over the line?

Just as important, if you haven’t actually dealt with controversial topics, what has prevented you from doing so? What makes one particular topic safe and another taboo?

I’m hoping we get some interesting conversations going while remaining respectful to any thoughts or opinions that don’t necessarily jive with one’s own.