Cancer
Mansun Lyrics

My book of Mormon
The singer has a religious text, the Book of Mormon, that is important to them.

Wrapped in Turin
The Book of Mormon is wrapped in Turin, which suggests that it is being protected or preserved.

And it seems inferior and jittery
The singer is unsure about the strength or validity of their religious beliefs.

You preach elastic
Someone is preaching a flexible, adaptable approach to religion.

To your jagged flock
This approach is being directed towards a group of people who are rough or uneven around the edges.

In an eerie passion for self-flattery
The preacher's flexible approach to religion seems strange and potentially driven by a desire for personal validation.

I'm emotionally raped by Jesus
The singer feels violated or traumatized by their religious experiences / beliefs.

I'm emotionally raped by Jesus now
This feeling is ongoing, not a one-time occurence.

But I'm still here
Despite feeling violated, the artist has not given up on their faith.

Yes, somehow I'm still here
The artist is surprised / uncertain about why they haven't given up on their faith despite their negative experiences.

What now of my faith
The singer is questioning the value or purpose of their religious beliefs.

Just a desperate exercise to limit pain
The artist's faith feels like a coping mechanism, rather than something genuine or meaningful.

I am weak
The singer is feeling vulnerable and powerless.

I'm emotional and sensitive and frail
The singer is not just physically weak, but is easily affected by their emotions.

In need of some love
The singer is seeking emotional support from others.

Pull the cancer from the Vatican's own state
The artist wants to remove something harmful or toxic (symbolized by 'cancer') from a powerful religious institution.

Uninformed
The artist believes that others are ignorant or misinformed about something important - likely related to religion or history.

You will harbour those who nurtured Europe's War
The singer suggests that the institution (likely the Vatican) is hiding or supporting people who were involved in causing harm and conflict on a large scale.

Keep turning my cheek
The singer is being metaphorically slapped or hit, and is 'turning the other cheek' (i.e. not responding with violence or anger).

In a fragile state of violence left me weak
The artist has been subjected to some kind of violence (likely emotional or psychological), which has left them feeling powerless and frail.

No guilt
The artist is suggesting that someone else should not feel guilty or ashamed for something (likely related to religion).

Hold your people in disdain and steal their grace
The artist suggests that the institution is actively disrespecting or harming its followers, taking away something that is supposed to be good (represented by 'grace').

I need replacement
The singer is looking for something to take the place of their current religious beliefs / experiences.

To feel redefined
The artist wants to change and evolve in some meaningful way.

And it's just this matter of identity
The singer believes that their religious beliefs / experiences are closely tied to their personal identity.

Emotionally I'm wrapped in shame
The singer feels embarrassed, humiliated, or unworthy.

Emotionally I feel I'm raped
The singer feels violated or traumatized by something (likely related to religion).

Oh, emotionally in chains
The artist feels trapped or powerless due to their emotional experiences.