How graphic should imagery in lyrics be?

[amanise]

The nature of the arrangement (orchestra / choral etc.) seems less important to me than the intention of the artist here.
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I don't mean to hijack the topic but it's a really good question to raise and there's surely an art to expressing inner thoughts in lyrics in a manner that delivers a message without being overly explicit.

Wouldn't disagree with any of that Eddy. It's an art for sure - creative, cathartic, therapeutic, courageous, inspirational - all sorts of things. It's also intensely personal with no single approach that works in all circumstances in my experience. One of the areas of music creation that carries the most personal risk, unless you're venting and writing about some other annoying person's personality traits, but then that's cathartic sometimes. Perhaps we need some Grammy winners to chip in with some thoughts

Yes, it’s an important question. For me poetry / lyrics need to have insight and power, and the power comes from creating an image that goes beyond the words.

For example:

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you dont really care for music, do you?

Without saying anything explicitly about it, this brings to mind a deep, unbridgeable and grief-filled rift between two miserable people (we know that Leonard Cohen is a musician to his bones).

I think using the F-word is fine if it contributes to this kind of imagery.

Indeed. And saying less often conveys so much more, as you've illustrated in grand fashion above. Another principle, for me, is the old 'Jaws' trick - never show them the shark until right at the end. And certainly never do a Fonzie and jump the shark (which became a big no no in movie circles and probably still is).