Every week, we’ll be posting a new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events from his band’s 39-year run, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.
![](https://magnetmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/719-1024x727.jpg)
Maybe lyricists think writing about subjects that might prove to be controversial is too risky. Hot water, ahoy. It’s likely more comfortable to stick to the tried-and-true areas of love and heartbreak. Maybe lyricists swerve important topics for fear of being labeled “political” or because they don’t want to get things wrong. I would say being in a political band is vastly more interesting and fun than any other kind of band, including famous.
“I Hear You” from The Family Swan (Kill Rock Stars, 2002) (download):