"Hell" in a Christian song?

I am trying to write a song, that I will later create a video for, that pays tells the story (kinda) about a friend that took his own life. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him, even if only in passing. So I am playing with lyrics and thought of putting "hell" in it in this context.
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"You left us all alone,
you left me by myself
without you there beside me
my life is a living hell." 
  


So, in keeping with my faith, is that a context that I should change. It probably will change. but I was just wondering. I have run into Christians that seem to be afraid to say the word in any context.  Call it things like, H-E-double hockey sticks, and such.
   (So many emoticons I had to use some  )

I don't believe the word is scary to use when we are referring to the place, but if it is used in a derogatory way, as it may be here, you will probably lose many of your potential listeners. Better to err on the side of caution, if nothing else, so as not to offend unnecessarily. What would be the point?

I wouldn't use it in that way. I would try to show how God can help us go on even through the sorrow his action caused.

This part says it so well:
 There is not a day that goes by
 that I don't think about you
, even if only in passing.
  
and then how you miss him but then how God comforts you
and lets you know you aren't alone even in your sadness, etc.

I had to write a poem once for a friend who took his own life and it is hard to do.

I pray that in those seconds
Before you slipped into eternity
That God took your hand
And that His love you could see
Taking away your pain
Setting your spirit free...

i agree with Lora (know that SHOCKS you, Lora...smile...hope you were sitting down when you read it!!

hey matt....maybe focus lots on what the holy spirit of our loving heavenly Father is trying to show you?    and not so much on your own thoughts/goals/agenda;  He will GIVE you the words...when you are ready for them!

grace and peace....

   Hugs S.T.

Mmm...THANKS miss Lora!