Corporal Jigsore Quandary

Carcass's song "Corporal Jigsore Quandary" delves into the grotesque and morbid world of forensic pathology, exploring the grim task of reconstructing dismembered and decomposed human bodies. The lyrics paint a vivid and unsettling picture of the meticulous and often disturbing process of piecing together human remains. The song opens with a spoken word segment that sets the stage, describing the challenges faced by forensic experts in identifying bodies that have been severely decomposed or dismembered. This introduction immediately immerses the listener in the dark and clinical world of forensic science.

The lyrics are rich with graphic and detailed descriptions of the disassembly and reassembly of human bodies. Phrases like "excised and anatomised," "deftly amputated," and "evulsed limbs now defunct" highlight the surgical precision and brutality involved in this process. The imagery of a "chondrin puzzle" and a "squirming grisly jigsaw" emphasizes the complexity and horror of trying to make sense of dismembered body parts. The song's language is both clinical and poetic, creating a stark contrast that enhances the macabre atmosphere.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of transformation and reconstruction. The dismembered body is described as a "cold mannequin" that is "reassembled" and a "pathological toy" that is methodically pieced together. This theme reflects the forensic expert's role in restoring some semblance of order to the chaos of death and decomposition. The song's final lines, which describe the task of fitting the remains into a casket, underscore the ultimate goal of providing closure and dignity to the deceased, even in the face of such a gruesome and perplexing task.