[holden]

To paraphrase "Almost Famous":

"Do you have to be depressed to write a sad song?
Do you have to be in love to write a love song?"

No.
Experience helps. But also an attentive eye and creative mind. Karl's an observer, for sure. I can't say how much of the writing is experiential in the form of being autobiographical (ok, Born Slippy, yes, but may other tracks, who knows?) but he is always with a notebook and an open mind for what's happening around him. I wouldn't read too much into any lyric other than to say that if it hits a nerve, it's a good one and has had the desired effect.