Because I’m the frontperson for two rock bands, dye my hair black and blue, and always dress in jeans and sneakers, I probably look like more of a rock rebel than I really am. If only the people who give me funny looks in public knew that I am also known for baking a mean batch of blueberry scones.

I’ve always been into hard rock for the music itself and not so much for the rebellion. As I’ve developed over the years as an all-around responsible adult and feminist, I can’t help but have some reservations about a lot of the lyrical content of the songs in my genre of choice.

This has come up quite recently in my cover band, Earthquake Jake. Our latest demo song is “Lit Up” by Buckcherry, which is not only a paean to cocaine use but also contains the f-word.

Now I like a good party song as much as the next person, but it just feels so…irresponsible to perform this particular one considering that I’m a complete goody two-shoes about drugs. As for the cuss word, well, as long as we don’t play it around kids I can’t really object. Still, I told the band I felt like issuing a disclaimer on behalf of the band before singing it.

We’re playing a block party on Saturday, and that meant going through our set and leaving out all of the R-rated material. “Hair of the Dog” by Nazareth – out. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC – out. Even “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith is a bit questionable, but I can probably mumble one word and be okay.

Even though rock is about having fun, loosening up and breaking loose from the strictures of polite society, I can’t help but feel a responsibility to resist the coarsening of public discourse and protect young ears from rude language they’ll hear far too much of as adults. I’m a free speech advocate to the nth degree, but I believe there’s an appropriate time and place for certain types of expression.

In other words, no cursing around the kids. My mother would be so proud.