We have to pay attention. There's nowhere else to go. I'm aware I'm not talking to a roomful of political scientists or bioengineers. We're musicians and our natural contributions to the community of humans is more subtle. But most of us have been taught to value artistic integrity.
Artistic integrity means telling the truth.
Whatever truth each of us understands. The sharing of these truths is called communication, and communication makes community. Whether we share our experiences in an abstract form through the passion of our music or whether it's more concretely expressed in song lyrics isn't the issue. The issue is to share what we know, our discoveries and discomforts. How you use those tools is your choice.