Are calypso lyrics getting too racy?

Most parts of Cropover are fun and harmless but has calypso gone too far?
Barbados' Crop Over might be over but the debate continues: are calypso lyrics too racy?
Some argue that some of today's song lyrics are offensive.

BBC Caribbean's David Williams reports on what Bajans think about this year's crop of calypsos from the just-concluded Crop Over celebrations:

Listen to David Williams' report

What do you think: has the music of Cropover and other regional carnivals become too ranchy?

Are calypsos today going too far or are they a fair expression of modern-day life?

YOUR VIEWS

From Collette in Washington:
I wouldn't even call the compositions of the modern era - calypso. The paucity of creativity is all too commonplace now. And sadly, we have accepted it all. Gone are the days when your work debuted in the tents and your lyrics, creativity and musicality were put to the test. It is ironic that there was a time when this music was banned, in the days when compositions actually required thought and intelligence to follow, and now these senseless, shameless lyrics are given all the airplay without a thought to its progenitors' struggle.

Chris in Bridgetown writes:
A resounding YES! the lyrics are too raunchy and it is a reflection of the lack of creativity of the artistes and songwriters in the industry today and the way some of the lyrics are pronounced e.g. "conch" sounds quite different to how it looks on paper..the artistes and radio stations need to take responsibility for what they put out on the airwaves because everyone from our young children to adults are listening. Let's not spoil a good thing now, people.

Mark in Trinidad shares his views:
The modern music of Carnival is a reflection of what Carnival has become. Just a meaningless street party, a celebration of mediocrity that has lost its creative soul, and its spiritual voice. I am so blessed to have known the genius of Morris, Bailey, Cito, Sally, Kitchener, Shadow, Rudder, Composer, Rose, and others of their ilk and era. Where have all our leaders gone? Those I can respect. All I see are hypocrites, and those I must reject........

Dee in Texas says:
You are following the way of the US which is bad for the region. The modern-day way of life is not your way. You need to always maintain respect in whatever you do. Your grand-parents, parents, sisters, brother and children are listening. Lead by setting the correct example for your children to follow. Yes, I am a proud female Bajan.

Christopher Skinner in Derby, England shares his views:
This debate is clearly another symptom of many modern soca "artistes" not being clever and creative enough to cover up their innuendos. The Mighty Sparrow could teach them a lesson or two. Who would have thought that something as common as "saltfish" could be used to such devastating effect.

Amanda in Canada writes:
This weekend in Toronto marks the 40th anniversary of the Caribana festival. As the festival drew closer there has been much discussion around this topic.
I believe that these festivals have been and still are subject to discriminatory attitudes toward the Caribbean culture. These cultural festivals and celebrations are so much more than several songs with raunchy lyrics. These carnivals allow people to partake in activities that celebrate a rich culture of music, dance, art, theatre, and foods.
It is unfair to make the generalization that the music at these carnivals is becoming too ranchy, because that undermines the diversity of messages, ideas and thoughts conveyed within Calypso music. If one was to listen carefully to Calypso music, one would realize that the music reflects political, historical, cultural, gender, sexual issues.

K. Banfield in Canada writes:
I do not think that suppression of freedom of expression is the answer. It might be prudent to educate the writers about respecting women and about sexual education. Music has always been a means of expression, education, political satire, and fun in the Caribbean - why can't we focus this to improve ourselves and our children?

Akeila Page from Arima, Trinidad writes:
Yes, the music of the regional carnivals is raunchy and has been for sometime. However, just as calypsoes are expressing the modern-day way of life in the region, the same can be said of the numerous television networks, magazines and other forms of entertainment that rely on freedom of expression. While some lyrics are offensive, the public has accepted it as part of the culture.

Name not given:
No, the public in general is too sensitive, people need to relax and enjoy themselves. I am a black man - very proud and I have no problem being black. So what's the problem?