One of the things about creating art is that some people see you as a role model, even if you’re not (yet) world famous. Fortunately, I think I’m an okay person, and I really do try to promote light and love and all that good stuff. But, fact is, my music doesn’t usually come from those places.
Once, in an interview, the person noted that the song they’d just played of ours was really angry, but I seemed like a sweet person. And, y’know, I think I am a sweet person generally. But no amount of sweetness and light leads to a life completely free of unpleasant (or arguably objectionable to some audiences) things. And, for me, the music is one of the main places I work that out or talk about the experiences that built me.
So, yes, there are tales of sex and drugs and violence in my songs. And I’m not writing things that are likely to come across as morality tales where I beat listeners over the head with how Things You Think Are Bad Are Bad. In fact, because I’m telling true stories, I have to acknowledge the moments in even the darkest associations that are Not Bad. I have to acknowledge that, just like you, sometimes I get really angry or depressed or I-want-to-beat-you and, for some of the time, I’m feeling really okay about that.
I’m not going to lie because you don’t like my truths. Nor am I going to not sing about things you don’t like or force myself to write the songs in ways that make them public service announcements. But I want to be very clear. And I reckon a picture makes it easier to remember and more likely to catch your eye if you’re just skimming. Ready?
It’s as simple as that. If I were glorifying the things you claim I’m glorifying, I’d be doing more than singing about them. Got it? Please keep this filed for all future accusations. Heh.
Now, I’m going to go write more objectionable songs so you can keep practising remembering that the fact I’m singing about it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m glorifying it.
Stay in school, be good to your people, and don’t go tying anyone to chairs just cos I wrote a song where someone is tied to my chair…