The band is required to translate all of its lyrics into Chinese and submit them to the government for approval.

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Speaking of distorted, one glance at the lyrics of Chinese Democracy's title track leaves one wondering whether there's been too much MSG or even mercury in Rose's reportedly all-sushi diet.

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With the same wit and precision he brings to his lyrics, he fielded questions about the challenges of rhyming traditional Chinese characters (complete with a demonstration), why living in Los Angeles hasn't influenced his aesthetic (but Bali might), and his progress on a stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman's Coraline.

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For example, quasi-punk pop singer Cui Jian has often run foul of the Chinese government, due in part to the semi-political nature of some of his lyrics.

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