The meaning behind this song is using drugs to feel normal, then not feeling yourself. A chalk outline is usually traced around dead bodies, so “walking around in a floating chalk outline” means to be dead inside
Chalk outlines, what remains of someone killed at a crime scene. "Walk around in the chalk outlines", feeling dead. "Draw ourselves in the chalk outlines" meaning busy killing ourselves by habbits, by people by circumstance. And then then they sing "erase ourselves from these chalk outlines " which means we're dead. Very visual and absolutely fantastic.
❤ It's so refreshing to hear someone who is extremely intelligent express themselves with so much genuine compassion & empathy. You are also very inspirational in ur own right. Thank you so much!!❤
thank you very much, Sarah. What a kind and encouraging comment :) I have a feeling the phrase "it takes one, to know one" applies here. Perhaps you see and appreciate these things, because you are a kindred spirit! :)
Ren is a force of nature. He's not just a rapper. Not just a guitar player. Not just a singer. He will do it all, and cross genres. He's an artist. He's a mordern day bard. Dope reaction. Genesis is another gem from Ren.
Ren X Chinchilla How to be me (live) song written for his best friend who committed suicide jumping off a bridge, and what even made it worse for Ren his body was never found is a must listen.
@@rosalieelliottofficial such excellent work Rosalie on so many levels, and done with such thoughtfulness and energy. It’s a pleasure to see your work.
Basically chalk outlines is explained in chinchillas verse.take this one wash it down and you'll be fine,the feeling goes and you draw a chalk outline.basically the meds numb you to a point you are physically alive but inside your dead
That's my struggle. Even though I stopped the meds 2 years ago (my choice). The depression always tries to pull me under, it takes all my power to keep my head above the water. Even though every day is damn hard, I prefer it this way than feel nothing at all from the pills.
Spot on. A friend who was taking antidepressants said that whilst they held the depression and anxiety at bay, they also prevented her from feeling happiness or joy. She felt nothing.
Great reaction as always. Just a note - Chinchilla only has 4.9K subscribers at this time - that is CRIMINAL! Let's boost this girl - she deserves it. Beautiful talent and beautiful voice.
Check out, 'HOW TO BE ME' (live version) with Chinchilla again, also one of his older ones with Bibi 'CRUTCH' both of these hit hard. Don't quite know how he's been passed over as an artist until now, dropped by Sony when he got ill, diabolical behaviour by the industry. So glad to see him getting some recognition. Wish him all the best as he's going through treatment in Canada at the moment. We so need him as an artist, so versatile and unique.
@@adam.4487 Yes, it is 100 percent real and autobiographical. Bibi Lea-ding was Ren's live in girlfriend at the time and indeed his crutch when he was at his very worst health wise.
yeah I would love to see you reacting to Crutch. It's on of his older masterpieces and just sooooo underrated. It needs more spotlight. Please help, Rosalie
Yea "Crutch" is amazing and to know he wrote it after a breakdown.Which he acts out in the video. Very powerful. If Ren doesn't move you Check yourself you might be dead. And he better off without Sony. Or any record label. Once you sign they own you. And will try to change you to be more sellable. The days of needing a label are over. Better doing it yourself staying real & in control of your own life. The cream of real talent will rise to the top. Without the leeches of the music business.
This may be an outlier in popularity, but, if you liked this one, you may really like Ren X Chinchilla (Live) How to Be Me. It is pretty heavy, so I would mention that. I'd also mention that it may not be clear what the song is about until the very end. Then, when you hear the last lines, you can re-think lines from the beginning and throughout. The harmonies are amazing. In any case, love your reactions... keep it up! :)
This song is so beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s so hard to listen to, but so beautiful I can’t stop listening to it! Can’t think of any other song like that? 💔
Hi Rosalie. I found your channel through your REN reactions and your tears during "HI REN" touched me almost as much as the song itself and you instantly won me over with your raw honest emotions - just like the ones REN shows us all the time. I really like the way you approach things on your channel and i wish you all the best. Oh and my god, check out "Ren X Chinchilla - How To Be Me (live)". You will love it.
This is one of the most beautiful but also the most heartbreaking songs of Ren for me, the use of chalk outlines to suggest you're surviving but feeling that you're not, you are walking around but within your own outline of death, using drugs etc to numb the pain but it never lasts. It's so heartfelt and real. I love all of Rens songs, the trilogy and money game for example but this one just tugs at my soul.
"I'm scared of being okay, cause all things change" I took that sentence a little different. I've had years where I was far from okay and that became my new normal, there was a safety, comfort and familiarity in that. When I started feeling okay, it didn't feel good, it was frightening because everything was changing and I didn't feel like I was on solid ground anymore Being okay felt so unfamiliar that i started sabotaging myself. Thankfully with help I got through that. Still, I will never be fully okay, and that's okay. I'm better than I was.
Hey Rosalie Great Rxn/ breakdown (as usual)!! 🙌. I love your insights on the lyrics fr that psychological perspective you bring - and yeah Ren is deep- super intelligent (IQ & EQ)! …. Not to mention your ability to uplift us w that great smile and personality! Keep at it as your Super Unique in this YT Rxn domain!! 🔥🔥🙌🙌
What I love is how Ren uses the acoustics and lighting in the locations of each of the live one take videos. Especially in The Trilogy which, in my opinion is a work of genius. It’s like this generation’s Bohemian Rhapsody!
Hey Rosalie. I saw you on the live stream when Ren released Bitter Sweet Symphony. That was crazy Like a few thousand people joined the premiere it was sweet as hell to see all the support for Ren!!
All of Ren's songs are "The Best Ones" Like you said he blows you off your feet every time you hear something new. I hope you continue with Ren. He's worth it
Wow I love the first explaination about the chalk outlines never thought about that one. That's why i love watching reaction channels always learned something new. Great reaction!🥰
The joy I felt when you popped up on my home page with THIS review!! I know people are going to suggest the trilogy of Jenny, Screech, and Violet as the next review, which is AMAZING but, I would love to see a review of REN busking with the band The Big Push on the streets of Brighton, His musical skills will blow your mind and what a joy to see him enjoying himself and having fun! Here's a link, if your interested. ua-cam.com/video/DbL7Frf6nJI/v-deo.html and here's another link to them just jamming out and having fun on a rooftop in Brighton. ua-cam.com/video/EQAUupOFarw/v-deo.html
Hallo Rosalie, ich habe deinen Kanal über die Reaktion zu Hi Ren gefunden und bin begeistert 😀.. Du hast so eine tolle Art, das alles zu kommentieren und zu erklären ❣️. Ich habe deinen Kanal abonniert und freue mich, mehr von Ren und anderen Sängern und Bands zu hören. Auch aus Deutschland, wie ich gesehen habe😀 Liebe Grüße aus Hamburg 🙋🏼♀️
There were all kinds of nuggets of wisdom. You took me to church, a couple times. As per, excellent analysis and breakdown. This song went straight to the top of the playlist when I first heard it. Beautiful combo.
This was a very enjoyable reaction. "Chalk Outlines" touches me deeply no matter how many times I watch this video or hear this song. I can very much relate to this and many of his other songs as they describe my daily struggle over the past 25+ years. Ren has been able to express through his songs what I have been unsuccessfully trying to communicate to others regarding my mental, emotional, and physical struggles. I would recommend you also check out Ren's other collaboration with Chinchilla, the "How to Be Me" live version, as well as their busking sessions in Brighton. As for "Chalk Outlines," it is one of my favorite songs right now; it is beautiful yet sad. The studio version is also incredible. However, in my personal opinion, it does not come close to the live version. This performance is so much more raw, emotional, and visceral, and Chinchilla's performance here elevates the song to a whole new plain. I wish the live version would be available on Spotify. Given Ren's medical history, I interpret this song to address mental illness diagnoses, and prescription psychotropics, which leave you emotionally dead (hence, the chalk outlines around your dead self). I can attest to the reality of this; for over 15 years, I was prescribed a cocktail of max doses of psychotropics, including Sertraline, until I decided to carefully wean myself off all medications in 2014. The side effects of the drugs were too many and too severe, left me an emotional zombie, and the benefits were negligible. I still struggle with my mental health and physical symptoms daily, but I rather feel pain than nothing at all. Looking forward to more Ren reactions from you. God bless.
As a psychologist I really like to hear your analysis, which is so emotional. I discovered Ren's music a few weeks ago since then I need to hear it everyday. All his songs are great and moving. Do you know 'Dear God', and 'Patience'?... I think you should hear them. And all the others. I also have chronic illness and pain (Ehlhers-Danlos syndrom), ASD, and chronic depression. That's not the reason I love him, but it's important to me that someone so talented shares what it's like to live with this. And very brave. I wish my family and friends knew English so they could open their minds. Thank you from Belgium. 🇧🇪
Told you this one was incredible 😁 Be... careful... if/when you do "Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full)". It *is* amazing, maybe the most amazing Ren has done, but it needs to come with a HUUUUUGE trigger warning. And stock in a tissue company.
👏👏👏Loved this, so glad I was on YT when you dropped this. Chalk Outlines is a beautiful song and Chinchilla has an incredible voice, the video as always captivated me when I first watched it so loved seeing it grab you and take you on that journey. Cant wait to see you react to more of his songs, namely Money Game and Money Game pt 2, they have such strong messages. with your passion in music I really want to see you react to Ren 'Love Music' parts 1, 2 and 3, they're a bit more upbeat and fun but show his genius just as much. And as you enjoy NF, I think you need to react to 'Genesis' and possibly 'The Hunger'. Keep it up! 👏👏👏
Great reaction. As a therapist the lyric about being fearful about the thought of depression returning is spot on. Much about relapse in depression is related to rumination and thoughts about the fear of the black dog returning. Beautiful song, so soulful. Cry everytime.
It feels like you have read my mind. Yesterday I thought that I'd really like to see your reaction to this song. I have been listening to it obsessively for last two days. I guess it is currently my favourite Ren's song (from those I've heard). It hits with the lyrics, with the melody, with the vocals. Just can't get enough of it. Thank you, dear Rosalie. Smile and have a beautiful day. 🖤
This guy Ren is absolutely incredible i think, i have never heard anything like it before, the other artists who appear in his 'creations' are also very very talented and you do a fantastic job Rosilie , god bless!
Crying again and relating within... Don't know why or how but it is in me suddenly discovered in bright light...Thank you for sharing, love, respect and connection
A chalk outline is an empty vessel in place of where something of actual substance once existed. The innocence and blissful ignorance of youth fades as we evolve. We get challenged. We get disappointed by life. We get hurt. Stress. Anxiety. Uncertainty. Expectations. Insecurities. And, different people handle that reality in different ways. Ren is incredibly artistic and expressive with sincere vulnerability. Peeling his heart open to expose his soul? In this needlessly cruel and judgemental world, that takes an insane amount of self-trust and bravery. The lyricism perfectly captures the delicate balance of summoning strength in the face of adversity and impulsive influences from within that tempt us all down pathways that lead to the same pain, suffering, regret, and frustration we are trying so desperately to navigate successfully out of. If we don't accept the reality of where we are in life and lose strength to believe in positive growth. complacency and stagnation conspire to rob us of our potential until a chalk outline is all that remains. "I'm scared of being ok, because all things change.." That is the raw insight of somebody who respects the sheer vulnerability of existing hopelessly lost in a very dark and scary place in life. Keep fighting the good fight.
I've seen this maybe 3 times but this is the first time I noticed the lights flicker before Chinchilla comes in. Like it was a sign that she had just appeared there.
Both are so very talented. Wow. Thank you for your in depth reaction to the lyrics and psychology of the song. It is a comforting feeling in knowing someone else fully gets where we are coming from. We are not alone even though it feels that way.
He also sang "how to be me" with chinchilla, it is a gorgeous song, one of my favourite actually... but I'm in love with so many of his songs(all of them, probably)
Hii, thank you Rosalie for this channel full of contents I love. It's the first of January 2024 and you here have my first cry of the year... You know what it feels good. Keep it going, I love how you are working here on UA-cam
I have watched many other reaction artists, however I found your reaction to be the most deep, genuine, and amazing of them all.... Ren is a Poet! incredible
The term "Chalk outline" ... for me, nods to the outlines drawn at the scene of a death. But when you're _"walking about in a chalk outline"_ it seems to be referring to that feeling on anti-psychotics or anti-depressants where you're up, you're walking around, but you're not really _"there"_ . You're dead in some respects... not making progress so much as just marking time. The female part has a lyric _"take this one, wash it down and you'll be fine... the feeling goes and you draw a chalk outline"_ which really nails home the idea. The tablets push down the problem, but leave you a ghost of yourself - walking around among the living, but not really present. _"Sertraline and a sip of seratonin... don't cry 'cus there's a pill for everything"_ again, really frames what the song is about. And, it acknowledges that the issue is common to more than just anti-depressants. We medicate our problems - and sometimes that's necessary. But they don't just push down the bad feelings, they supress feeling in general. They don't make you well, they just pause the clock... ... and too many of us spend months or years in that place. Stuck between the ticks of a broken clock, as life goes by around us. The truth is, medicated ain't living, it's just getting by. It's not a place you can stay. So, the lyric _"the feeling goes"_ is deliberately more general than saying _"the bad feelings disappear"_ (the promise) ... and it gets to the real truth of the matter. Medication is merely a stop-gap between being ill - and being alive. As I write this I've just tapered off a long course of anti-psychotics (Zyprexa) Even as a 50yr old male, the song makes me cry, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I have lost so much of my life to medication ... but coming off them is truly terrifying. _"In the gallows, standing on my toes so I can breathe"_ really sums up where I was, 18 months ago, before the clocks stopped. and _"scared of being okay, 'cus all things change, all things change."_ is exactly how I feel now that they're ticking again.
@rosalie, hi I just subbed. I’m so excited to have found your channel 😀😀😀 I love REN so much, I listen to this song every day, it’s so psychological. Just brilliantly crafted
Good luck finding anything you don't find intriguing from Ren. He is an unique, one of a kind in his own lane, highway, city, xountry, world. Love him. Cheers for your insightful breakdown. Much love from Melbourne Australia💙🌏🙏
Chalk Outlines is one of my favourites. I really relate to the lyrics. Thank you for your reaction. I'd love to see you react to Nolan Taylor "68" (radiowv x truthful sessions). No fancy stuff, just a man and a guitar. I don't think you'll be disappointed. ♡
So glad you’re doing more Ren! I just discovered him a few months ago. Every song is filled with insight and musicality. He’s a genius, lyrically and musically. His imagery is so spot on. 💕💕💕
I'm laughing so hard imagining you in a traditional therapist setting, me on the couch looking at the ceiling, you behind me nodding, writing on a clipboard "mmhmm...thats dope, thats dope, and how did that make you feel?"
Hi from Winnipeg, Canada. I became a fan of Ren's because his lyrics resonate so deeply with me. He is an exceptional songwriter & performer. This song, for example, is so unfortunately relatable. I find his music to be helpful in my mental health healing process. Also, I'm really liking your reactions because I am fascinated with the connection between psychology & music. I like to dig deep ✌️💙🎵💙🎵
It's great because of the artist talent. It's beautiful from the pure emotion poured out from soul to soul. we all feel that pain and love ❤️ the truth of life upside and downside. Everyone sick or healthy battles with daily obstacles! Pulls you in.
He did an amazing song about taking diazepam. Called diazepam funnily enough :) But, like everyone else in the comments I'd suggest the trilogy first. Love the heartfelt reaction
My perception on this song from a personal perspective is when they talk about chalk outlines, thats in reference to become addicted to prescription medications we are being told are there to help us make us better but in the end up we end up like the walking dead, ie chalk outline , and the bit about pushing it back down with a new habit , is when our mind begins to question our treatment within our treatment, were given stronger and more powerful pills , thus losing us in a chalk outline
I love watching your videos. Every time I hear you speak, I wish I had had you in my life when I first started struggling with mental health; your approach and outlook are exactly what those struggling need. You're amazing, I can't wait to see you do more!
Aww. I’m humbled you feel that way. I understand the feeling too. I was just thinking how it’s crazy so many of us just long for love and someone to listen. A mentor and friend. Someone who can sit with us in the pain. You know what I mean? I’m here if you ever wanna chat.
OMG OMG OMG, I'm SOOOOOOOOO freakin excited to watch this! Thanks soooo much for doing this reaction, I'm on the edge of my seat to find out how you feel about the lyrics, message, & song in general! Here you go..... 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️
Loved your reaction! Chronic Pain, PTSD, these things make me feel like I am a ghost of myself. Dependent on Meds just to function. I have tried to function without but just can't at least not for now. But I have cut back. We are all struggling to cope. Some days I am so worn out I don't have the energy to do anything. Songs like these and reactors like you help me get through. I don't feel so alone and freakish. Binging these video may not be a long-term solution, but they keep me from wallowing in self-pity and give me encouragent when nothing else seems to work.
My dad has a favorite saying whenever he see people working diligently. He walks up and says "Don't just do something! Stand there!" Its always interesting watching how people react!
This is so awesome. Thank you so much for this reaction and for all the support 🥹💕
oh wow!!! Hiii Chinchilla!!! Thank you for commenting! Honored you stopped by.
You are a beautiful artist
I'm so happy to see that you have reacted to this now. I've just watched this yesterday and it Brought me to tears.....I needed that
@@rosalieelliottofficial the street performance with Sam is going to blow you away. Can't wait to see your reaction to this.
Beautiful song and performance ❤❤❤❤
The meaning behind this song is using drugs to feel normal, then not feeling yourself. A chalk outline is usually traced around dead bodies, so “walking around in a floating chalk outline” means to be dead inside
You HAVE to do the Jenny, Screech and Violet trilogy!!! It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen..EVER
you can count on it!
Please ❤️
@@rosalieelliottofficial Trilogy is a must ! Epic , Brilliant
@@rosalieelliottofficial cant wait for it!!!
@@rosalieelliottofficial Just make sure you do the full version from his channel that include all 3 in order. best done in one sitting!
Chalk outlines, what remains of someone killed at a crime scene. "Walk around in the chalk outlines", feeling dead. "Draw ourselves in the chalk outlines" meaning busy killing ourselves by habbits, by people by circumstance. And then then they sing "erase ourselves from these chalk outlines " which means we're dead. Very visual and absolutely fantastic.
That’s exactly where my mind went as well.
Specifically, people on anti-depressants often describe feeling numb or dead inside.
@@steve16823 More this...and erasing your personality by taking the drugs.
Emotionally blunted by antidepressants…detached…as if you are seeing things from outside…that you are not part of it…
its about taking anti depressants and how they make you walk around like a corpse.
He is a servant , Prophet & Master song writer .. God blessed him ! The only artist that can make me cry every time I watch a video with Rosalie !
i HAD TO CHANGE VIDEO SPEED TO 0.75 JUST TO KEEP UP WITH YOU. HOW DO YOUR LIPS KEEP UP WITH THAT BRAIN? WOW!
❤ It's so refreshing to hear someone who is extremely intelligent express themselves with so much genuine compassion & empathy. You are also very inspirational in ur own right. Thank you so much!!❤
thank you very much, Sarah. What a kind and encouraging comment :) I have a feeling the phrase "it takes one, to know one" applies here. Perhaps you see and appreciate these things, because you are a kindred spirit! :)
Ren is human. Like all of us. That is how he is so powerful. He connects with everyone in some way, and its absolutely breathtaking
Found him this year during the heart of a spiritual wake up and on the edge of life n death...I love this dude and all his ppl
Ren is a force of nature. He's not just a rapper. Not just a guitar player. Not just a singer. He will do it all, and cross genres. He's an artist. He's a mordern day bard. Dope reaction. Genesis is another gem from Ren.
Just saw a TikTok of him playing a public piano at a train station...just, wow, that too, huh?! Just an amazingly versatile musician!
Ren X Chinchilla How to be me (live) song written for his best friend who committed suicide jumping off a bridge, and what even made it worse for Ren his body was never found is a must listen.
Freckled Angel is brilliant and really emotional too
Yes please do this one the Ren and chinchilla how to be me❤😢
Beautifully done Rosalie. As a therapist and woman you might like Ren’s song. Dominoes
Thank you, Martin!! What an honor to see you here in the comment section. I look forward to listening to it.
@@rosalieelliottofficial such excellent work Rosalie on so many levels, and done with such thoughtfulness and energy. It’s a pleasure to see your work.
@@martingilluk1 thank you very much!! :)
@@rosalieelliottofficial Ren put yopu in his shorts.
@@tinymusikcodottv-Musikverse99 I saw :) it means so much!! Thank you for letting me know :)
Basically chalk outlines is explained in chinchillas verse.take this one wash it down and you'll be fine,the feeling goes and you draw a chalk outline.basically the meds numb you to a point you are physically alive but inside your dead
That's my struggle. Even though I stopped the meds 2 years ago (my choice).
The depression always tries to pull me under, it takes all my power to keep my head above the water.
Even though every day is damn hard, I prefer it this way than feel nothing at all from the pills.
I agree 100% with your analogy..
Spot on. A friend who was taking antidepressants said that whilst they held the depression and anxiety at bay, they also prevented her from feeling happiness or joy. She felt nothing.
Great reaction as always. Just a note - Chinchilla only has 4.9K subscribers at this time - that is CRIMINAL!
Let's boost this girl - she deserves it. Beautiful talent and beautiful voice.
The chalk outline is the one around a body, the drugs making you feel like a zombie.
Check out, 'HOW TO BE ME' (live version) with Chinchilla again, also one of his older ones with Bibi 'CRUTCH' both of these hit hard. Don't quite know how he's been passed over as an artist until now, dropped by Sony when he got ill, diabolical behaviour by the industry. So glad to see him getting some recognition. Wish him all the best as he's going through treatment in Canada at the moment. We so need him as an artist, so versatile and unique.
YES the Bibi crutch is mesmerizing and so damn sad.
@@adam.4487
Yes, it is 100 percent real and autobiographical.
Bibi Lea-ding was Ren's live in girlfriend at the time and indeed his crutch when he was at his very worst health wise.
yeah I would love to see you reacting to Crutch. It's on of his older masterpieces and just sooooo underrated. It needs more spotlight. Please help, Rosalie
Crutch....holy hell, what a song.
Yea "Crutch" is amazing and to know he wrote it after a breakdown.Which he acts out in the video.
Very powerful.
If Ren doesn't move you
Check yourself you might be dead.
And he better off without Sony. Or any record label. Once you sign they own you. And will try to change you to be more sellable. The days of needing a label are over. Better doing it yourself staying real & in control of your own life. The cream of real
talent will rise to the top. Without the leeches of the music business.
The fact this was live and a one take video makes it 1000x more impressive than it already is.
This may be an outlier in popularity, but, if you liked this one, you may really like Ren X Chinchilla (Live) How to Be Me.
It is pretty heavy, so I would mention that. I'd also mention that it may not be clear what the song is about until the very end. Then, when you hear the last lines, you can re-think lines from the beginning and throughout.
The harmonies are amazing.
In any case, love your reactions... keep it up! :)
This song is so beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s so hard to listen to, but so beautiful I can’t stop listening to it! Can’t think of any other song like that? 💔
@@NoCanDu Not really, .. but.. if you want something kind of in this sadder side... ua-cam.com/video/3gC2kq6E5Mo/v-deo.html
For me, this is one of my two most special songs. How to Be Me is so powerful. One of a kind, and so important. ;
I agree please do this
Hi Rosalie. I found your channel through your REN reactions and your tears during "HI REN" touched me almost as much as the song itself and you instantly won me over with your raw honest emotions - just like the ones REN shows us all the time. I really like the way you approach things on your channel and i wish you all the best. Oh and my god, check out "Ren X Chinchilla - How To Be Me (live)". You will love it.
Me.too , now I'm hooked to her reactions
Ditto,she embodied my reaction to Hi Ren perfectly. Love you girl, keep making people's life better ❤
Mee too your empathy is wonderful :)
This is one of the most beautiful but also the most heartbreaking songs of Ren for me, the use of chalk outlines to suggest you're surviving but feeling that you're not, you are walking around but within your own outline of death, using drugs etc to numb the pain but it never lasts. It's so heartfelt and real. I love all of Rens songs, the trilogy and money game for example but this one just tugs at my soul.
Me too
Most of his music does that to me. T B h
The chalk outline metaphor is so powerful. Walking dead... emotionally. Ugh.
These two are amazing together. Their voices work so perfectly together and their chemistry is unbelievable. I could listen to the all day.
"I'm scared of being okay, cause all things change"
I took that sentence a little different.
I've had years where I was far from okay and that became my new normal, there was a safety, comfort and familiarity in that.
When I started feeling okay, it didn't feel good, it was frightening because everything was changing and I didn't feel like I was on solid ground anymore
Being okay felt so unfamiliar that i started sabotaging myself.
Thankfully with help I got through that.
Still, I will never be fully okay, and that's okay.
I'm better than I was.
I see Ren gave you a shout out on his Instagram story today!!×
Walking around in a chalk outline…emotionally detached…unreal…blunted…empty…the effects of the pills…a floating chalk outline
Ren x Chinchilla How to Be Me (Live) ❤️ full gooseflesh everytime
Ren is a up & coming legend! He will be known for years to come.
Hey Rosalie Great Rxn/ breakdown (as usual)!! 🙌. I love your insights on the lyrics fr that psychological perspective you bring - and yeah Ren is deep- super intelligent (IQ & EQ)! …. Not to mention your ability to uplift us w that great smile and personality! Keep at it as your Super Unique in this YT Rxn domain!! 🔥🔥🙌🙌
Thank you very much :)
What I love is how Ren uses the acoustics and lighting in the locations of each of the live one take videos. Especially in The Trilogy which, in my opinion is a work of genius. It’s like this generation’s Bohemian Rhapsody!
Hey Rosalie. I saw you on the live stream when Ren released Bitter Sweet Symphony. That was crazy Like a few thousand people joined the premiere it was sweet as hell to see all the support for Ren!!
All of Ren's songs are "The Best Ones" Like you said he blows you off your feet every time you hear something new. I hope you continue with Ren. He's worth it
Haven’t read the comments but the word Rosalie is searching for , being scared to be happy is cherophobia
Anoter vote for the Jenny, Screech, Violet trilogy, the full version is here: ua-cam.com/video/TYAnqQ--KX0/v-deo.html
I fear I might expose myself. REN is so creative and on point I have to limit my time listening, I have tears, so incited.
Wow I love the first explaination about the chalk outlines never thought about that one. That's why i love watching reaction channels always learned something new. Great reaction!🥰
The joy I felt when you popped up on my home page with THIS review!! I know people are going to suggest the trilogy of Jenny, Screech, and Violet as the next review, which is AMAZING but, I would love to see a review of REN busking with the band The Big Push on the streets of Brighton, His musical skills will blow your mind and what a joy to see him enjoying himself and having fun! Here's a link, if your interested. ua-cam.com/video/DbL7Frf6nJI/v-deo.html and here's another link to them just jamming out and having fun on a rooftop in Brighton. ua-cam.com/video/EQAUupOFarw/v-deo.html
I love everything from Ren. Such a beautiful voice, and an amazing story every time.
Yes thank you that was so beautiful ❤🇬🇧
Hallo Rosalie, ich habe deinen Kanal über die Reaktion zu Hi Ren gefunden und bin begeistert 😀.. Du hast so eine tolle Art, das alles zu kommentieren und zu erklären ❣️. Ich habe deinen Kanal abonniert und freue mich, mehr von Ren und anderen Sängern und Bands zu hören. Auch aus Deutschland, wie ich gesehen habe😀
Liebe Grüße aus Hamburg 🙋🏼♀️
Hi :) Vielen Dank!! :) Willkommen. Mehr kommt ganz bald. Lg nach DE
There were all kinds of nuggets of wisdom. You took me to church, a couple times. As per, excellent analysis and breakdown. This song went straight to the top of the playlist when I first heard it. Beautiful combo.
This was a very enjoyable reaction. "Chalk Outlines" touches me deeply no matter how many times I watch this video or hear this song. I can very much relate to this and many of his other songs as they describe my daily struggle over the past 25+ years. Ren has been able to express through his songs what I have been unsuccessfully trying to communicate to others regarding my mental, emotional, and physical struggles. I would recommend you also check out Ren's other collaboration with Chinchilla, the "How to Be Me" live version, as well as their busking sessions in Brighton. As for "Chalk Outlines," it is one of my favorite songs right now; it is beautiful yet sad.
The studio version is also incredible. However, in my personal opinion, it does not come close to the live version. This performance is so much more raw, emotional, and visceral, and Chinchilla's performance here elevates the song to a whole new plain. I wish the live version would be available on Spotify.
Given Ren's medical history, I interpret this song to address mental illness diagnoses, and prescription psychotropics, which leave you emotionally dead (hence, the chalk outlines around your dead self). I can attest to the reality of this; for over 15 years, I was prescribed a cocktail of max doses of psychotropics, including Sertraline, until I decided to carefully wean myself off all medications in 2014. The side effects of the drugs were too many and too severe, left me an emotional zombie, and the benefits were negligible. I still struggle with my mental health and physical symptoms daily, but I rather feel pain than nothing at all.
Looking forward to more Ren reactions from you. God bless.
Jens Randolff, always enjoy your responses and comments. I look out for them in the comments...love and light to you from a fellow RenHead 🙂🙂🙂🙂
As a psychologist I really like to hear your analysis, which is so emotional.
I discovered Ren's music a few weeks ago since then I need to hear it everyday. All his songs are great and moving. Do you know 'Dear God', and 'Patience'?... I think you should hear them. And all the others. I also have chronic illness and pain (Ehlhers-Danlos syndrom), ASD, and chronic depression. That's not the reason I love him, but it's important to me that someone so talented shares what it's like to live with this. And very brave. I wish my family and friends knew English so they could open their minds.
Thank you from Belgium. 🇧🇪
Told you this one was incredible 😁 Be... careful... if/when you do "Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full)". It *is* amazing, maybe the most amazing Ren has done, but it needs to come with a HUUUUUGE trigger warning. And stock in a tissue company.
Every single song by Ren is fabulous
So damn emotional. Great song and performance from both of them.
Once in a lifetime, musical perfection is witnessed. They are the embodiment of that perfection.
👏👏👏Loved this, so glad I was on YT when you dropped this. Chalk Outlines is a beautiful song and Chinchilla has an incredible voice, the video as always captivated me when I first watched it so loved seeing it grab you and take you on that journey. Cant wait to see you react to more of his songs, namely Money Game and Money Game pt 2, they have such strong messages. with your passion in music I really want to see you react to Ren 'Love Music' parts 1, 2 and 3, they're a bit more upbeat and fun but show his genius just as much. And as you enjoy NF, I think you need to react to 'Genesis' and possibly 'The Hunger'. Keep it up! 👏👏👏
Great reaction. As a therapist the lyric about being fearful about the thought of depression returning is spot on. Much about relapse in depression is related to rumination and thoughts about the fear of the black dog returning. Beautiful song, so soulful. Cry everytime.
Ren is the World’s Poet Laureate, with a guitar 🎸 instead of a pen. ❤
A guitar AND pen!
It feels like you have read my mind. Yesterday I thought that I'd really like to see your reaction to this song. I have been listening to it obsessively for last two days. I guess it is currently my favourite Ren's song (from those I've heard). It hits with the lyrics, with the melody, with the vocals. Just can't get enough of it.
Thank you, dear Rosalie. Smile and have a beautiful day. 🖤
This guy Ren is absolutely incredible i think, i have never heard anything like it before, the other artists who appear in his 'creations' are also very very talented and you do a fantastic job Rosilie , god bless!
Crying again and relating within... Don't know why or how but it is in me suddenly discovered in bright light...Thank you for sharing, love, respect and connection
So glad this is catching more and more attention. He's nothing short of a genius!
A chalk outline is an empty vessel in place of where something of actual substance once existed.
The innocence and blissful ignorance of youth fades as we evolve. We get challenged. We get disappointed by life. We get hurt. Stress. Anxiety. Uncertainty. Expectations. Insecurities. And, different people handle that reality in different ways.
Ren is incredibly artistic and expressive with sincere vulnerability. Peeling his heart open to expose his soul? In this needlessly cruel and judgemental world, that takes an insane amount of self-trust and bravery.
The lyricism perfectly captures the delicate balance of summoning strength in the face of adversity and impulsive influences from within that tempt us all down pathways that lead to the same pain, suffering, regret, and frustration we are trying so desperately to navigate successfully out of.
If we don't accept the reality of where we are in life and lose strength to believe in positive growth. complacency and stagnation conspire to rob us of our potential until a chalk outline is all that remains.
"I'm scared of being ok, because all things change.."
That is the raw insight of somebody who respects the sheer vulnerability of existing hopelessly lost in a very dark and scary place in life.
Keep fighting the good fight.
I've seen this maybe 3 times but this is the first time I noticed the lights flicker before Chinchilla comes in. Like it was a sign that she had just appeared there.
Both are so very talented. Wow. Thank you for your in depth reaction to the lyrics and psychology of the song.
It is a comforting feeling in knowing someone else fully gets where we are coming from. We are not alone even though it feels that way.
He also sang "how to be me" with chinchilla, it is a gorgeous song, one of my favourite actually... but I'm in love with so many of his songs(all of them, probably)
Hii, thank you Rosalie for this channel full of contents I love. It's the first of January 2024 and you here have my first cry of the year... You know what it feels good. Keep it going, I love how you are working here on UA-cam
Your great. I agree with your accurate verbal dissection of the material at hand. I am a fan now. For sure. Thank you so much.
I have watched many other reaction artists, however I found your reaction to be the most deep, genuine, and amazing of them all.... Ren is a Poet! incredible
It's like you are one of few who react to Ren to really catch the feel... on a psychological and musical level. Take my subscription as appreceation.
thank you :)
The term "Chalk outline" ... for me, nods to the outlines drawn at the scene of a death. But when you're _"walking about in a chalk outline"_ it seems to be referring to that feeling on anti-psychotics or anti-depressants where you're up, you're walking around, but you're not really _"there"_ . You're dead in some respects... not making progress so much as just marking time.
The female part has a lyric _"take this one, wash it down and you'll be fine... the feeling goes and you draw a chalk outline"_ which really nails home the idea. The tablets push down the problem, but leave you a ghost of yourself - walking around among the living, but not really present.
_"Sertraline and a sip of seratonin... don't cry 'cus there's a pill for everything"_ again, really frames what the song is about. And, it acknowledges that the issue is common to more than just anti-depressants.
We medicate our problems - and sometimes that's necessary. But they don't just push down the bad feelings, they supress feeling in general. They don't make you well, they just pause the clock...
... and too many of us spend months or years in that place. Stuck between the ticks of a broken clock, as life goes by around us.
The truth is, medicated ain't living, it's just getting by. It's not a place you can stay. So, the lyric _"the feeling goes"_ is deliberately more general than saying _"the bad feelings disappear"_ (the promise) ... and it gets to the real truth of the matter. Medication is merely a stop-gap between being ill - and being alive.
As I write this I've just tapered off a long course of anti-psychotics (Zyprexa)
Even as a 50yr old male, the song makes me cry, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I have lost so much of my life to medication ... but coming off them is truly terrifying.
_"In the gallows, standing on my toes so I can breathe"_ really sums up where I was, 18 months ago, before the clocks stopped.
and _"scared of being okay, 'cus all things change, all things change."_ is exactly how I feel now that they're ticking again.
@rosalie, hi I just subbed. I’m so excited to have found your channel 😀😀😀 I love REN so much, I listen to this song every day, it’s so psychological. Just brilliantly crafted
Good luck finding anything you don't find intriguing from Ren. He is an unique, one of a kind in his own lane, highway, city, xountry, world. Love him. Cheers for your insightful breakdown. Much love from Melbourne Australia💙🌏🙏
Chalk Outlines is one of my favourites. I really relate to the lyrics. Thank you for your reaction.
I'd love to see you react to Nolan Taylor "68" (radiowv x truthful sessions). No fancy stuff, just a man and a guitar. I don't think you'll be disappointed. ♡
Another great insightful reaction. Thanks Rosalie!
I do hope you get to interview Chinchilla some day. I absolutely LOVED your interview with Ren.
You are beautiful inside and out thank you for sharing yourself with the world
I discovered your channel from Ren promoting you. I am so glad that I found you!
❤🤗 Keep doing what you do.
Your reviews of Ren’s music are the best on UA-cam and you explain everything so well and also has helped me to understand his songs more 👍😝
Ola Rosalie, so glad i found you here, love your nuanced take and scratch at the genius....
It's amazing how connected that I feel.with Ren's lyrics.
So glad you’re doing more Ren! I just discovered him a few months ago. Every song is filled with insight and musicality. He’s a genius, lyrically and musically. His imagery is so spot on. 💕💕💕
When I heard chalk outlines I immediately thought of dead bodies. 😢 As in we walk around dead inside.
I love your reactions from the psychological point of view, but i also love how empathic and deeply feeling you are. Keep being you xx ❤
Love ya Rosalie! Ren smashing it again but wow - Chinchilla has a heck of a voice too! Brilliant duet!!
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Is it possible that Rosalie is tooooo Cool ? ? ?
Bravo young woman . An excellent reaction .
I'm laughing so hard imagining you in a traditional therapist setting, me on the couch looking at the ceiling, you behind me nodding, writing on a clipboard "mmhmm...thats dope, thats dope, and how did that make you feel?"
HHahahahahahaha
Check out Ren's latest drop on Bittersweet Symphony Retake, it is joyful.
better than the original even!
I think of the floating chalk outline as being a reference to the sort of vague, half-alive, not-fully-yourself feeling that some psych meds give us.
Interesting. Good point
Hi from Winnipeg, Canada. I became a fan of Ren's because his lyrics resonate so deeply with me. He is an exceptional songwriter & performer. This song, for example, is so unfortunately relatable. I find his music to be helpful in my mental health healing process. Also, I'm really liking your reactions because I am fascinated with the connection between psychology & music. I like to dig deep ✌️💙🎵💙🎵
It is great because it is raw honesty
It's great because of the artist talent. It's beautiful from the pure emotion poured out from soul to soul. we all feel that pain and love ❤️ the truth of life upside and downside. Everyone sick or healthy battles with daily obstacles! Pulls you in.
He did an amazing song about taking diazepam. Called diazepam funnily enough :) But, like everyone else in the comments I'd suggest the trilogy first. Love the heartfelt reaction
This is my favorite Ren song. Thanks for the great reaction!
I was really hoping you would react to this song, specifically the live version. So much talent with such great story telling
My perception on this song from a personal perspective is when they talk about chalk outlines, thats in reference to become addicted to prescription medications we are being told are there to help us make us better but in the end up we end up like the walking dead, ie chalk outline , and the bit about pushing it back down with a new habit , is when our mind begins to question our treatment within our treatment, were given stronger and more powerful pills , thus losing us in a chalk outline
Rosalie - so good. Floating chalk outlines / half life while on meds. And we all do the - push it right down with a great big smile.
Nothing more pleasant than watching you processing Ren real time...
Chinchilla is amazing, ive just discovered her and am blown away xo
I love watching your videos. Every time I hear you speak, I wish I had had you in my life when I first started struggling with mental health; your approach and outlook are exactly what those struggling need. You're amazing, I can't wait to see you do more!
Aww. I’m humbled you feel that way. I understand the feeling too. I was just thinking how it’s crazy so many of us just long for love and someone to listen. A mentor and friend. Someone who can sit with us in the pain. You know what I mean? I’m here if you ever wanna chat.
OMG OMG OMG, I'm SOOOOOOOOO freakin excited to watch this! Thanks soooo much for doing this reaction, I'm on the edge of my seat to find out how you feel about the lyrics, message, & song in general! Here you go..... 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️
Loved your reaction! Chronic Pain, PTSD, these things make me feel like I am a ghost of myself. Dependent on Meds just to function. I have tried to function without but just can't at least not for now. But I have cut back. We are all struggling to cope. Some days I am so worn out I don't have the energy to do anything. Songs like these and reactors like you help me get through. I don't feel so alone and freakish. Binging these video may not be a long-term solution, but they keep me from wallowing in self-pity and give me encouragent when nothing else seems to work.
The lyrics of pushing things back down then when she sings a sip of serotonin just hits
When he makes these videos. They are fresh and raw. And he is really playing his guitar and singing.
O M G ....I needed this in my life !!! EPIC EPIC EPIC....I can not believe what I'm listening to ! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !
I think the word you were looking for was "Life"✌️🇬🇧 Great listening to your breakdown!!
I love your reactions to Ren's brilliant, unique work.
My dad has a favorite saying whenever he see people working diligently. He walks up and says "Don't just do something! Stand there!" Its always interesting watching how people react!
Real talk😊 we do not live on a spinning globe! Now to listen to this reaction 😊 such a great song
I downloaded this song on iTunes and it’s even better. A lot more harmonies. Love it.
That was the most beautiful interpretation of the song that I personally never would have come upon ❤