Format C: For Cortex

To me the song seems to be about wanting to start over, rebooting one's mind. "Format C:" is what you do when you want to reformat your computer and the majority of people use "C" to represent the HDD. It maybe a stretch but thats just my interpretation

I think this song is about the upbringing of a child, and trying to gove it good morals even though the reality is far from what it should be, according to the upbringing... Just my thoughs

This song seems to me to be about resisting brainwashing, especially from society. This comes out in the verses

There is no need for you to start revolutions I don't want you to talk to the minions Just show me a brand new face an open mind against a dying race

and

In time all your questions will be answered Not what you hoped for, not what you dreamed All preconceptions crumble

This is particularly supported by the title; see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_formatting

Additionally confirming Ddadutta's comment: Stanne whispers (though loudly) "Format C: for Cortex" around 3:39-3:45.

Currently, this is my second favorite song by DT, "Insanity's Crescendo". I love the piano solo in the middle of the song that builds into the passionate declaration:

"In time all your questions will be answered Not what you hoped for, not what you dreamed"

There is an obvious theme of repression told from the viewpoint of the oppressor. The tone of the song makes me think of it in terms of a science fiction piece.

cortex is a part of the brain. format c maybe means a format that all brains are "formatted" in, we are adapted to this community and we have polished away the things that makes us special and individual .

for me this song is about searching for a person ...a person that hasnt "formatted" his or hers brain, that are unique and individual. someone that differs from the masses. someone to love. somethings got to give...there must be someone. Just show me a brand new face an open mind against a dying race that is about the longin for someone who dares to be open and look away from the normal, accepted way to be.

brilliant song.

reminds me of in flames lyrics format C: for cortex i agree about reformatting humans

Just show me a brand new face an open mind against a dying race

reminds me of in flames style we're a dying race ruining ourselves/theworld and need to restart or format

I agree with soulrapist, could be a child, if the writer has one, if not, it could be anybody he cares about.

I'm quite Sure it's "These things I used to want you to see\hear\feel\know\be"

It can be for a child, or his own new self, or anybody... the most important part is this: " There is no need for you to start revolutions I don't want you to talk to the minions Just show me a brand new face And open mind against a dying race " (imho "And" sounds more logical in the last line than "An") I think the message is clear(one of the few DT song which have any specific message) Eckart Tolle's words come to mind:

" Remember: Just as you cannot fight the darkness, so you cannot fight unconsciousness. If you try to do so, the polar opposites will become strengthened and more deeply entrenched. You will become identified with one of the polarities, you will create an "enemy," and so be drawn into unconsciousness yourself. Raise awareness by disseminating information, or at the most, practice passive resistance. But make sure that you carry no resistance within, no hatred, no negativity. "

I think the song is about watching somebody becoming jaded. This person is being exposed to negative things, and it changes them. In the end of the song, the narrator pleas with this person:

"Just show me a brand new mind Keep in what you left behind

Something has got to give These things I just don't want you to be"

This seems to be asking the subject of the song not to let the negative aspects of life change him for the worse. 'Keep in what you left behind,' makes me think of somebody who gave something to people, whether happiness or hope, or whatever, but is losing it in himself. 'These things I just don't want you to be,' is the narrator telling the subject that he doesn't want him to change into the things that he's seen, heard, learned, etc.