Cancer
Dogma Lyrics


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"Even its most enthusiastic sponsors can see that the administration of an electric shock through the skull
Is a comparatively crude assault on the underlying brain."

"Yes..."
"Yes!"
"I just bought your dolphin ring."
"Can you believe it?"
"Once again now, slowly clench your fists
Clench them tighter and tighter
And let that tension move up into your forearms
Bend your elbows..."


I smelled the cancer through the friendly act you tried
My stomach twisted up so much there are a hundred knots inside
You ate my food for thought and passed it out the other side
Just one more faceless client to take you for a ride

I should have learned
I should have known
I should have walked this road alone
And left this all behind

I should have learned
I should have known
I should have walked this road alone
And left this all behind

I'm not like you and I don't pretend to care
I can't surround myself with plastic trees and vinyl chairs
A parasitic food chain where everything is fair
Just one more naive customer, let the buyer beware

I should have learned
I should have known
I should have walked this road alone
And left this all behind

I should have learned
I should have known
I should have walked this road alone
And left this all behind

Well, I don't have to watch my back when you're in front of me
Well, I don't have to watch my back when you're in front of me
Well, I don't have to watch my back when you're in front of me

I should have learned
I should have known
I should have walked this road alone
And left this all behind

I should have learned
I should have known
I should have walked this road alone

I should have learned




I should have known
I should have walked this road alone

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Dogma's song "Cancer" alludes to the controversial practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also referred to as electric shock treatment. The lyrics question the morality of this method of treatment, recognizing that even those who support ECT admit it is a brutal assault on the brain. The use of "skull" and "underlying brain" further emphasizes the invasive nature of the treatment.


The second part of the song seems to take a personal turn, with the lyrics "I smelled the cancer through the friendly act you tried" suggesting that the singer has been betrayed by someone they trusted. The use of cancer as a metaphor for betrayal is particularly poignant considering how many people's lives have been affected by the disease. The lyrics then delve into issues of authenticity and honesty, with the singer rejecting the notion of surrounding themselves with "plastic trees and vinyl chairs" and rejecting the parasitic food chain that takes advantage of vulnerable individuals.


Overall, "Cancer" seems to be a critique of power dynamics and the way in which certain institutions or individuals take advantage of those in need. The use of ECT as a metaphor for such abuse of power is particularly powerful, as it is a practice that has been historically used to subdue and control individuals deemed "mentally ill." The lyrics suggest that the singer has been victimized in some way, but they are determined to break free and walk their own path.


Line by Line Meaning

Even its most enthusiastic sponsors can see that the administration of an electric shock through the skull Is a comparatively crude assault on the underlying brain.
The use of electric shock therapy to treat mental illness is a primitive and harmful method, and even those who support it admit this.


"Yes..." "Yes!" "I just bought your dolphin ring." "Can you believe it?"
This dialogue represents a shallow and meaningless conversation, highlighting the emptiness and superficiality in some relationships.


Once again now, slowly clench your fists Clench them tighter and tighter And let that tension move up into your forearms Bend your elbows...
These instructions are likely part of a guided meditation or relaxation exercise, encouraging the listener to focus on their bodily sensations and release tension.


I smelled the cancer through the friendly act you tried My stomach twisted up so much there are a hundred knots inside You ate my food for thought and passed it out the other side Just one more faceless client to take you for a ride
The artist senses insincerity in someone they interacted with, feeling disgusted and used. The other person consumed the artist's intellectual ideas but failed to give them the proper credit or respect, treating them as just another customer and exploiting them for personal gain.


I'm not like you and I don't pretend to care I can't surround myself with plastic trees and vinyl chairs A parasitic food chain where everything is fair Just one more naive customer, let the buyer beware
The artist is authentic and honest, recognizing the falseness in the other person's demeanor and lifestyle. They reject the idea of participating in a shallow, transactional society where people wear masks and exploit others. They refuse to be taken advantage of again.


Well, I don't have to watch my back when you're in front of me Well, I don't have to watch my back when you're in front of me Well, I don't have to watch my back when you're in front of me
The singer is confident that the other person poses no threat to them, as they see right through their facade and know their true intentions. They won't be fooled again.


I should have learned I should have known I should have walked this road alone And left this all behind
The singer regrets not seeing through the other person's lies sooner and wishes they hadn't allowed themselves to be taken advantage of. They vow to let go of the past and move forward independently, learning from their mistakes.




Contributed by Camden B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

username usersecondname

heavy as hell

Lisa

I heard this guy is one hell of a director....phil i think his name is

Elder Luis

☚ī¸

Hauntings

Phil Allocco

MaximusAdonicus

What is this band?! Sounds 100% different than the new all-female nun band playing melodic heavy metal?!

Breedlove Asylum

I was wondering the same thing

Ricardo Sanabria Vega

I think they are more related than one might think, they probably share the same nationality... but I have the theory one of the members (of the new female band) is not from the same country, the same continent maybe, but not the same country.

MaximusAdonicus

@Ricardo Sanabria Vega Welp, being from the same country isn't much of a relation 😅 But I thought the same...

TRIVIA: There's already 12 metal bands called Dogma in the world! I actually thought upon first discovering them that it was a new song by the Italian power metal band, but it was a completely new band with a same name... 👀

Ricardo Sanabria Vega

@MaximusAdonicus yes, nationality is not a relationship, I just think that whoever owned this channel 10 or 12 years ago had a Band called the same, most likely coming from the same country (Somewhere in South America), and probably sold/gave the Channel and the name to whoever needed to use it.

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Pinwino

Xd?

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