I hope that he reacts to your latest song. You are amazing and I love your voice and your work. I watched your interview and it was just lovely. I really feel like I got to know you in that interview and that's special. Many times interviewers do a horrible job and talk way too much. He is a great guy as well. Thank you for you work. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 ❤️
There is something pretty incredible going with people in general, when it comes to Ren's music. Things are being spoken of that don't usually even get whispered. I've seen people relating tales of personal struggles and how they overcame them. I've seen people telling folks to get help if they need it. His music is connecting people on levels that are personal and unexpected ways. This was a great reaction and breakdown. I had heard that this was inspired by a couple of friends commiting suicide at 17. But, I'm not totally sure.
You're absolutely right, this dude is the antithesis of the shite we are all going through and have suffered in recent years and even more virulent. He's making me question my knuckle dragging mentality and lift my hands up to a better tomorrow. I suspect I'm alone with this thought with the few million other people who are reaching for the new light. Amazing talent.
The community he’s created with his honesty and transparency has encouraged reactors and commenters alike to reveal themselves and offer shared support. It’s really remarkable to see us rally round Ren in his treatment, the way he takes the time to spread love and encourage reaction instead of squelching it, and the healing his art inspires is just so remarkable.
Yes, people are talking to each other because of his music and that is dangerous to the mainstream. People are waking up and looking around to see where they are and asking how and why they got here.
His friend Joe Hughes jumped off a bridge and his body was never found. "Freckled Angels" and "I Forgot How to be Me" were about him. (probably others)
I 💯 agree...its a beautiful thing, people being authentic and without fear. It's truly magical...it doesn't matter who or where they are from, it's the universal language of love and respect between human beings. And holding space for the message to resonate. It makes my heart explode.
You're obviously a good man with a big brain.....but an even bigger heart. That's what Really matters. Blessings Bro thru a man called Ren. Who knew!??? 🎵🔥🙏
Truth. I can't even remember how long I've been on anti depressants but I remember asking my doctor one time if I could go off them and she asked me why I wanted to do that. Have tried going off them on my own but the withdrawals have kept me from this. How f****d up is that?
@@boho_hippychick I hear you loud and clear. Been on anti-depressants and other psychotropic meds since my late teens. Many different one ms thru the years. When I go off I end up in the hospital so I have resigned myself. We have to deal the best we can to keep showing up for life.
Ren is speaking to his experience with his illness and depression, coping...Chinchillas solo verse is his other voice telling him just to keep on keeping on, stick to the plan....them singing together is the reconciliation and acceptance in hope of getting better
Some artists you hear, some you listen to and some you feel and live. Ren you feel and live! He is fast becoming one of the most important artists around. Let’s hope his illness doesn’t take him away from us!
The guy is so talented. He can sing beautifully on this, rap his ass off with Genesis and the like, absolutely destroy the performance art genre with hi ren, go straight insane bardcore with the tale of Jenny and Screech, and plays the guitar like it's a physical expression of emotion. It's really a staggering list of musical abilities.
30+ years chronic autoimmune illnesses. Your breakdowns are brilliant. It's very dark kinda humor but after my blood work looked very questionable, I was sent to a hematologist. A very cool dr that advised I must add him to my " ists" ( rheumatologist, neurologist, pulmonologist, oncologists, pain specialist, etc...) he let me know all humans carry cancer genes, and basically, I have an amount equivalent to 30 cents of a dollar. That I must be checked a couple of times a year. His humor was someone who understood chronic illness and bedside manner . I was not surprised. Really, it's been something added continually year after year. He left me with "I've got good news and bad news, good news it's not cancer, but bad news is it's not cancer. The bleak realization I am to carry this until I die. It's part of my story
On the intro: Pych units I have been on would have former patient files archived in cellars. Staff would sometimes use the space for quiet moments, agerncy staff would use them to sleep. Things like guitars would be prohibited on the unit, ligature rules, same with clothing, but you might find things staff had left as the area is supposed to be locked and out of bounds to patients.
I really like your reactions, because you think about everything: music, experience, lyrics. You also can't and don't want to hide your human reaction and that's wonderful. It's wonderful to see a human being showing his deepest feelings awakened by "ordinary" music. Thank you for that.
True talent. Thank you for reacting! Edit: As someone who is on anti-depressants, sertraline, the one Chinchilla mentions in the song, I have to say that it really is bittersweet. My mind is calm, but the side effects are horrible. Headaches, high blood pressure, dry mouth, vomiting ect.... It basically cures my depressive tendencies and makes me more calm and rational and wildly almost completely erases my cptsd symptoms, but it does not come for free! It truly is a pick your poison situation. The line, "I'm scared of being okay, cause all things change" is also so true. You can be on your meds and feel okay, but for how long, and can you truly take in a good day, when knowing it might be the last good day you'll see in a while?
We can all speculate. We are all free to interpret how we want. The beauty of Ren, I find for myself, is that he can be so direct, and so indirect that you can relate no matter what. He's telling his story, but it is everyone's story just the same. I think it was a great interpretation you put forth. Well done! Mine's a bit different, yet now, it's closer to yours. That's the beauty of the art. I teach English to relatively high level students in a foreign country. I've introduced them to Ren's trilogy, and when I asked them to find something powerful to present, they are at their best because they have thier artistic/real life experiences to draw upon.
When the last time two people and a guitar , in a hallway, were able to provoke that much emotion, they’re unbelievable, and that’s are hard thing to do
I don’t think this is about recreational drugs. It’s about his depression and anxiety and the way that makes you float around feeling suicidal, numb and a shell of yourself. Sertraline is a drug for anxiety and depression. Serotonin is what’s missing from your body when you feel depressed. I think the concept of the gallows is that he’s on the edge of allowing the darkness to take him. Constantly having to balance rather than having a firm footing. Not feeling grounded.
Ren is like the artist whos been long awaited by many to finally address the elephant in the room. He most bravely screams the truth from rooftops: "The King is naked!" *sigh* Such a relief..Thank you Ren.
Man, I just love you. Seriously. I said it before and I will say it again - I originaly started watching you because of Dimash, Aurora and couple of other artists, but no matter the type of artists, you never dissapoint with your honest and heartfelt reactions. ❤️
One more thing to add to the "Gallows" line: The very thing killing him is also the very thing keeping him alive. His life and death line (being the noose) is the vice. Either way the conclusion to it all is his demise.
I appreciate your breakdown. The lyrics floating chalk outlines felt to me as death. They are walking around like zombies as they feel they have already died. There are only chalk outlines that are placed on the ground, but they carry on daily with these curses of a living death. Just my thoughts. Love your work!
There is hope, though. Think of Hi Ren, where we meet 'the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope'. Thank you for your inspiring thoughts. I will watch this again. Can I just warn you that 'How to be me' hits even harder? Stunning, but it'll be one hell of a ride.
Good evening sir , thank you for another compelling breakdown. This might be a personal question, but why do you suppose Ren keeps making us cry, aside from the obvious reasons.
Thankyou. Would absolutely love you to watch The tale of Jenny and screech full version. It’s three parts that need to go together (Jenny’s tale, screech’s tale, and violets tale.) Ren has them out together as a single 13ish minute video. Well worth a watch.
No studio, no expensive producer, no complement of filters and auto-tuners. Just two extremely talented artists using natural acoustics to send a message of stunning magnitude. The same as with the empty room for Hi Ren. When Ren first got ill with Lyme disease he was so sick he stayed in bed 23 hours a day. More pills, more pills. and more pills making him sicker. Hopefully, you have watched, Sick Boi... The drugs were not by choice.
Ok when you said "that noose is also a lifeline" hit really hard. I keep dancing on that line between "what do i hate more-how i feel without medications or how those medications make me feel?"
I love that it is so open to interpretation. Chalk outlines like they are dying inside, or like they draw this shape that looks like a person but they don’t really fit into. Or like the fuzzy edges of chalk art that has soft edges. Or even like redrawing yourself as a new shape that you’ll grow into. So beautiful.
I saw another reactor the other day, who actually took that refrain part as a positive message of like healthy habits like affirmations. I’m putting a big smile on not to necessarily bury yourself but to bury the sadness, which I know it’s something that a lot of us do. He’s just brilliant. The fact that his music can say so many things to so many people is a testament to how good of a lyricist he is. Such simple lines with such profound meaning.
This is so powerful. Hearing so much of my life flowing out of someone else's mouth in the form of beautiful lyrics. Music has an amazing power of empathy
This one is so very heavy. The two of them embody the despair and suffering so well. The echo in that hallway is so organic. Brilliant. He does do upbeat songs also. I would highly recommend Power or Humble. They are my favorite upbeat tunes right now.
Thank you for this reaction. I've been losing my mind over this song since it first happened to me. I'm obsessed with the intentional beauty of those harmonies. To me they represent what, in reality, is always the most destructive, entropic relationships but in their brief shining moments, the drawing out of each other, the being seen, the sick cold comfort of intimacy before it's burned off by the heat of such an unsustainable existence. The becoming like each other in order not to be alone and again, even within that there is no other possible outcome but destruction and erasure. It's such a potent shorthand, "chalk outline" and even before the physical death, the horror of being dead while you still draw breath. He's astounding and it does my heart so much good to see this music felt and respected so deeply.
Thank you so much for letting it play at the start, this song is best experienced uninteruppted due to the powerful buildup of emotion that it has. Most reactors would have worried about copyright but you rightfully just got swept up in the emotion and respected the art of it. Wonderful breakdown as well, you have gained a new sub :)
I think some of the reactors who pause the videos to often are having a hard time understanding why their emotions are going haywire. Pausing, for me, seems to take away the full impact of feeling the emotional journey Ren guides you through. ?? Maybe??
I had an additional thought about the "erase ourselves in these chalk outlines" line. Throughout my life, I've encountered people who felt that these pharmaceutical drugs changed who they are. My mom had to get off one because it took away any feelings of attachment to her children. One artistic friend lost the ability to be inspired, so couldn't do their art. These are changes to the fundamental parts of you that make you who you are. So you're erasing yourself in a chalk outline, while continuing to exist.
Wow. Thank you for your reaction. This is only the second one from you regarding Ren. He cuts to the chase. I have always considered myself totally in control of my destiny, thoughts and beliefs. However he is highlighting the knife edge that we all live upon. For some people the knife edge is broader. But there’s always an edge. His message is simple and also complicated. We are all multi layered. We have to find a way forward no matter how steep the hill is in front of us. To survive as a species and to embrace our existence as a tiny fraction of our planet. This is all we’ve got. Thank you again. X
Your analysis mirrors my own with the exception of your insight into why Chinchilla is essential to the song. ❤I instinctually knew she was essential to the core of the song but you articulated it so well and the underlying reason❤
It was so interesting to hear your take on this wonderful song! It was fascinating to see how your mind interpreted everything so enthusiastically and skillfully. As another piece of art made by Ren, this song is open to the interpretation of the viewer and no interpretation is wrong really. However, knowing Ren's background this song is a bit more literal. Ren suffered from episodes of psychosis when he was younger due to undiagnosed Lyme's Disease. He was treated for the psychosis and depression instead of the Lyme's Disease which had awful side effects one of which was that feeling that he was walking around like a zombie, numbing him from emotion and thought, hence the chalk outlines floating around. To me the corridor was significant in that it would be how he felt immediately after taking his meds (like the setraline and serotonin Chinchilla mentions). As he walks down the corridor, he is dissociating from his body and he hears the world around him in muffled tones until it disappears altogether. The old papers and notes, all his old thoughts from a time he was more himself still hiding in the recesses of his mind, they seem so far away to him; like ancient history. The chair sound highlights how alone he is here until he is joined by another patient in the same situation where they can find solace in one and other. But like i said, Ren leaves his work open to the interpretation of the viewer and that's part of his genius, bc that's why so many can relate to his songs and feel that gut punch just like you did!
Thanks for this. Ren has said that he doesn't want to explain some lines in his work because he wants people to able to find their own meaning within it. Some of your theories don't align with mine, but many others do. I also appreciate that you didn't edit out your emotional response; ultimately Ren's work wouldn't be as important to as many people as it is, if it didn't touch a cord within so many of us.
Interesting to hear your other perspectives on the chalk outline and how it can be taken in multiple meanings. As a former cocaine/crack addict who used it to numb the absolute misery of my life such that pharmaceuticals wouldn't even touch the pain other than strong sleeping tablets to knock me out (I've often said crack actually saved my life as it was that or the noose at times), my key feeling from this was that drugs (both recreational and prescribed) make you feel numb & empty, so just a hollow of yourself, you're dead inside (and hence the crime scene double meaning) but I like your take on we are drawing our own crime scene around ourselves and keeping ourselves stuck inside that outline. Re chalk, I took that as its not permanent- it can be erased and redrawn but also the relief from drugs is only temporary. I hadn't thought of the fact that pharmaceuticals are essentially chalk, or the link between lines of cocaine looking like cut chalk we take bit by bit. Knowing Ren I imagine he intended to cover all of these things
A great reaction to a great artist. I think Ren resenates with so many people because the lyrics are written as his truth but in a way that is open to so many iterpetations. That is his brilliance in his storytelling just like Aurora does. My two favorite artists of all time. They are so true, emotional and raw. Not afrait to talk about darker areas of life but still with hope and empathy. People have mentioned that this story is probably personal Ren to the struggle he has had in his journey with the medical field and being misdiagnosed. But like you said there are so many layers for us to interoperate the lyrics, like the part about the chalk outline. You brought up so many angles and by favorite was about them looking like lines of powdered drugs, line by line and also like the white stuff in pills. I thought of ‘we trace ourselves in these chalk outlines’ as: We do it to ourselfs to take up a new habit that makes us feel like living dead, being dead inside as the chalk outlines in the crime scene are done around dead bodies. As the body is then brought to the morgue and the outlines are still there in the crime scene but nothing inside so walking around ‘like a floating chalk outline’- can be feeling like an empty shell, being just outlines and blank inside, like the chalked outline at the crime scene. Being just an outline but empty inside then also goes with ‘bury my self with a great big smile’ - the smile being the empty shell and bury also referring to death, being dead inside. And when he sings ‘we erase ourselves in these chalk outlines - chalk outlines are frail and easy to erase, can be washed away or easily smudged by a cleaner or any bystander. Or even the elements of nature like the rain. So many ways to see this. What a fantastic artist Ren is. I apreiciate your long and thoughtful reaction.
Brilliant reaction and super-smart, thoughtful interpretation. My first instinct was that Ren was looking through medical records and clinical trial data and whatnot - simply because I know he has been searching for proper diagnosis and treatment for his various conditions for years. But it works for your extended storyboards too. The line about being scared to be OK (and even rhyming/contrasting it with such a perfect day!) is so thought-provoking and on the money. One more thought: the part where he sings "Oh my my, oh my my" feels like it's lifted straight from The Verve's Lucky Man which would fit perfectly with hiding behind a great big smile etc. (Ren actually dropped a Verve cover this week, so we know this was one of his musical worlds growing up) Anyway cheers!
we only had a brief hearing of Ren's singing voice in "Hi Ren".......in this performance we get the full 'Bardcore'........."Take this one, wash it down and you'll be fine" is what the doctors tell Ren......"There's a pill for everything".......what sarcasm and disgust!
Perfect day is also the title of Lou Reeds song of the same name.....which [allegedly]refers to heroin addiction...the tune was used extensively, innocently? by various ad agencies/TV companies etc. before this [possible] aspect was pointed out..
Aww i love ur reactions ❤ur face said it all n u broke it down beautifully.Ren is the first UK artist whose affected me so much since Mic Righteous, he’s amazing xxx
So, I came here to watch this. I've never seen you before but you're my new favourite. It's almost like it's on purpose. He went to Canada and then blew up, he got out of here so he won't be hassled and let his music do the talking. There's always a conspiracy, ha ha ha.
It's a beautiful song. Captures how I've felt a few times in my life quite well. He sings with the sadness and she adds a bit of angst, sure does paint a picture. What I get out of this song is sometimes you just have to grind your teeth and go through things. Of course we all put ourselves into the stuff we listen to...
You're this first reactor to get it right. "Walk around in these floating chalk outlines" & "feeling ghost in the chalk outlines"... feeling numb and paralyzed. "Draw ourself in the chalk outlines"...killing ourselves with bad happened and addictions, "balance on our toes", fighting fighting fighting. "Erase ourselves from the chalk outlines"... nothing left of who I used to be, I'm dead maybe even really dead. Chalk outlines have a very universal image around the world and that is the 'crime scene' visual. So great to see someone who really get it.
I was moved by your emotive ‘reaction’, your insight and perception. I should create the word reactionalysis. I think that this song and Hi Ren reach inside those who have struggled with minor and major things in life and suddenly allows us to know we are not alone. I’m sure that many truly touched by these songs through life experiences hold genuine compassion which is a very powerful force within, not just empathy or sympathy. Thank you ❤️🇬🇧
My goodness. You are absolutely genius at dissecting Rens music. Just like Ren pouring his heart and soul into his music, you do just the same in appreciating it. Thank you for this video. I’m now a subscriber and will be listening to all your reactions to Ren. Ren has so many uniquely powerful songs that I it is so hard deciding which one is like to hear a reaction to next. Sick Boi is and obvious one as is a A Tale of Jenny and Screech but I think I’d like to hear a reaction to Penitence. This one had the most beautiful sound to it. Awesome stuff, will also be checking out your background as you are deep
Your analysis and emotional response to this song was as beautiful as the song itself. Amazing way to describe what is being protrayed here with all of the different layers and meanings. This will help many, not just the song itself, but you taking the time to share your highly intelligent thoughts on it in such a well-spoken manner. So glad you are back and looking forward to whatever you bring us next!
Thankyou for your reaction. I just watched your Hi Ren video also and really appreciate your insight. Please do a reaction to the trilogy of Jenny, Screech and Violet. Ren is an absolute genius of our time, and I would love to see your breakdown of his other popular music.
Having suffered from severe depression (along with adult ADHD/ASD, Anxiety) and been placed on many different medications/combinations of meds. For Me, I can honestly say, I would take my pills before bed and hope to wake up as someone different. But no matter how many pills/combination of pills I tried, my biggest side effect was me feeling emotionally numb. So there were so many times I feel like I literally lived out these lyrics. I always described it as barely keeping my face above water. And walking around dead inside. That's what chalk outlines means for me. And while I'm better now, I can't listen to it without sobbing.
Five months later, I'm finding your channel, which is great now that I have been exposed to -. One of your layers of the "chalk outlines" can be backed up by the lyrics in his song "Diazepam." He describes taking diazepam aka Valium as "self-destructive healing." You might want to take a look, even for just yourself: "When you leave why can't I breathe like you've stolen / My very essence, my coding? / Went for a swim and then drowned in your ocean / Don't lie, lie diazepam you / Promised me the world but now I'm rotting and moulding." He's so accurate. Also, it wasn't until you mentioned the old courtroom files that I realized what the sound of the chair's opening snap reminds me of - the closing clank of a jail cell's door, which ties into your analysis of self-judgment.
Love your reaction and explanations afterwards. I thought the floating chalkline meant walking around dead with the thought the drugs are keeping you alive, but your right, its got so many layers and you explain it well. Thank you
Fil, outstanding song from a unique talent. Beautiful, beautiful reaction, bro When deserts cover all of this we know and the entropy dominates, the cohesiveness of us blown on trade winds to common names, the emotional clothes the usual habits, gut instincts are eliminated, the shapes move to shaped moves and fortresses' don't accomodate. #QcucumberSquad #Ren #Chinchilla - Fil, I'm off back to the study.
It is great to have you back! The reaction world wasn't the same without your gems of knowledge. And to start with an Artist like Ren, its like discovering Twenty One Pilots for the first time. A real artist with a flawless catalog! Excited to see you run through these amazing songs! ✌
Thank you. I didn’t know I was the only that felt the same. Some times I fell like killing my self but watching people like makes me connect thank you be great sir you deserve it
I also loved ur reaction man we were both choked up at the same time, love it your so raw and feel your shit all the way through you, how can you watch hi ren or this n not be moved to your core, agreed and with every thing you touched on , just to add to it broaden the perspective so to speak,I also thought chalk out line which symbolizes death, to myself , cuz someone had To die to have ur "crime seen" so so we numb our shit to feel better to cope, n try to but we're killing
Numbing illegally then with help , to be able to try to live fully, but in doing so were numbing to the point were barely even there, trying to live, were killing ourselves
Wow 🤯😯😱. I was blown away by this analysis!! 🤩 I consider myself to be a deep thinker (also sensitive emotionally) and I thought I caught a lot of aspects of the song/video and have watched other reaction videos but you opened up meaning I didn’t know was there! And along the way I discovered further ideas. You did a great job! I’m curious to watch more of your reactions!!! Definitely a deep dive and it was worth it❣️😯👏🏼
Good reaction but you need to know his full story. He was misdiagnosed for 10 years so the referee to “ take this one, wash it down it down and you’ll be fine”, is something he was told for years. His misdiagnosis, his constant pain, his psychosis, created by the pharma given to him in error, is part of his feeling of “walking dead” in the chalk outlines. Please find out more about him. He also does this to help others by bridging this into the recreational drugs. He is healing millions through his music. Not only the music, but the poetry is so healing. You don’t see that these days for a reason. The mainstream won’t allow him to keep his genius in tact.
Thanks for your reaction Fil. As usual insightful and deep. Having lost family, friends and patients to addiction over the course of my lifetime, this hit home. When he first snapped the chair, for a brief moment the thought of him trying to hang himself popped in my head. Then he picked up the guitar. I loved your analysis of the Chalk outlines. Great having you back ✌❤😎
Bro you had the same reaction to this that I did. Then it played it while I was getting ready to head out Saturday and she walked in crying asking what what the hell are listening to. She originally wldnt give him a chance and now she’s hooked.
Oh this was so beautiful. Thank you for such a heartfelt reaction. Sending you love, I appreciate the support and this video so much 🙏💓
I hope that he reacts to your latest song. You are amazing and I love your voice and your work. I watched your interview and it was just lovely. I really feel like I got to know you in that interview and that's special. Many times interviewers do a horrible job and talk way too much. He is a great guy as well. Thank you for you work. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 ❤️
Pretty good reactor huh.
You are a beautiful soul with the voice of an angel Chinchilla.
It takes a special person to put the darkness of the mind into a song and make it beautiful.
Your explanation of the chalk outlines was perfect!
@lynette599 I apologize, it takes a special person to take a song that is about the darkness of the mind and make it beautiful.
@@sarahanderson8635 i agree, my comment was incorrect - I confused two songs by the same title (minus one letter).
Its really refreshing to see a real artist trending all over the place
There is something pretty incredible going with people in general, when it comes to Ren's music.
Things are being spoken of that don't usually even get whispered.
I've seen people relating tales of personal struggles and how they overcame them.
I've seen people telling folks to get help if they need it.
His music is connecting people on levels that are personal and unexpected ways.
This was a great reaction and breakdown.
I had heard that this was inspired by a couple of friends commiting suicide at 17. But, I'm not totally sure.
You're absolutely right, this dude is the antithesis of the shite we are all going through and have suffered in recent years and even more virulent. He's making me question my knuckle dragging mentality and lift my hands up to a better tomorrow. I suspect I'm alone with this thought with the few million other people who are reaching for the new light. Amazing talent.
The community he’s created with his honesty and transparency has encouraged reactors and commenters alike to reveal themselves and offer shared support. It’s really remarkable to see us rally round Ren in his treatment, the way he takes the time to spread love and encourage reaction instead of squelching it, and the healing his art inspires is just so remarkable.
Yes, people are talking to each other because of his music and that is dangerous to the mainstream. People are waking up and looking around to see where they are and asking how and why they got here.
His friend Joe Hughes jumped off a bridge and his body was never found. "Freckled Angels" and "I Forgot How to be Me" were about him. (probably others)
I 💯 agree...its a beautiful thing, people being authentic and without fear. It's truly magical...it doesn't matter who or where they are from, it's the universal language of love and respect between human beings. And holding space for the message to resonate. It makes my heart explode.
You're obviously a good man with a big brain.....but an even bigger heart. That's what Really matters. Blessings Bro thru a man called Ren. Who knew!??? 🎵🔥🙏
❤️❤️❤️
Its a perfect day... When you're taking drugs prescribed for depression etc you have to keep taking the pills even on days when you "feel" ok...
Truth. I can't even remember how long I've been on anti depressants but I remember asking my doctor one time if I could go off them and she asked me why I wanted to do that. Have tried going off them on my own but the withdrawals have kept me from this. How f****d up is that?
@@boho_hippychick I hear you loud and clear. Been on anti-depressants and other psychotropic meds since my late teens. Many different one ms thru the years. When I go off I end up in the hospital so I have resigned myself. We have to deal the best we can to keep showing up for life.
This one hit you hard, fam. I could see it in your eyes. Hit me that same way, so don't feel alone. LOVED your reaction!!! 🎶🔥😎🤗🤗
Ren is speaking to his experience with his illness and depression, coping...Chinchillas solo verse is his other voice telling him just to keep on keeping on, stick to the plan....them singing together is the reconciliation and acceptance in hope of getting better
Some artists you hear, some you listen to and some you feel and live. Ren you feel and live! He is fast becoming one of the most important artists around. Let’s hope his illness doesn’t take him away from us!
A chalk outline is what the police used to draw around a dead body at a crime scene.
There is some truly amazing talent out there. Which will probably never become mainstream - because it’s too good, too real ….
Couldn't agree with you more... Sadly
The guy is so talented. He can sing beautifully on this, rap his ass off with Genesis and the like, absolutely destroy the performance art genre with hi ren, go straight insane bardcore with the tale of Jenny and Screech, and plays the guitar like it's a physical expression of emotion. It's really a staggering list of musical abilities.
Great that u watched the video all the way through before gathering your thoughts
Yeah this song is a gut punch ... but not in the bad way
30+ years chronic autoimmune illnesses. Your breakdowns are brilliant. It's very dark kinda humor but after my blood work looked very questionable, I was sent to a hematologist. A very cool dr that advised I must add him to my " ists" ( rheumatologist, neurologist, pulmonologist, oncologists, pain specialist, etc...) he let me know all humans carry cancer genes, and basically, I have an amount equivalent to 30 cents of a dollar. That I must be checked a couple of times a year. His humor was someone who understood chronic illness and bedside manner . I was not surprised. Really, it's been something added continually year after year. He left me with "I've got good news and bad news, good news it's not cancer, but bad news is it's not cancer. The bleak realization I am to carry this until I die. It's part of my story
Such a breath of fresh air...I new artist that's burning his own path...his way...my God the music scene needs this man Ren 🔥🙏🔥
On the intro: Pych units I have been on would have former patient files archived in cellars. Staff would sometimes use the space for quiet moments, agerncy staff would use them to sleep. Things like guitars would be prohibited on the unit, ligature rules, same with clothing, but you might find things staff had left as the area is supposed to be locked and out of bounds to patients.
I really like your reactions, because you think about everything: music, experience, lyrics. You also can't and don't want to hide your human reaction and that's wonderful. It's wonderful to see a human being showing his deepest feelings awakened by "ordinary" music. Thank you for that.
Thanks very much. Really appreciate it 🙂❤️🥒
True talent. Thank you for reacting!
Edit: As someone who is on anti-depressants, sertraline, the one Chinchilla mentions in the song, I have to say that it really is bittersweet. My mind is calm, but the side effects are horrible. Headaches, high blood pressure, dry mouth, vomiting ect.... It basically cures my depressive tendencies and makes me more calm and rational and wildly almost completely erases my cptsd symptoms, but it does not come for free! It truly is a pick your poison situation.
The line, "I'm scared of being okay, cause all things change" is also so true. You can be on your meds and feel okay, but for how long, and can you truly take in a good day, when knowing it might be the last good day you'll see in a while?
And of course also the fear of not taking it anymore, or lowering the dose, should you feel somewhat better.
Live. One take. One camera in an abandoned office building. Incredible.
We can all speculate. We are all free to interpret how we want. The beauty of Ren, I find for myself, is that he can be so direct, and so indirect that you can relate no matter what. He's telling his story, but it is everyone's story just the same. I think it was a great interpretation you put forth. Well done! Mine's a bit different, yet now, it's closer to yours. That's the beauty of the art. I teach English to relatively high level students in a foreign country. I've introduced them to Ren's trilogy, and when I asked them to find something powerful to present, they are at their best because they have thier artistic/real life experiences to draw upon.
When the last time two people and a guitar , in a hallway, were able to provoke that much emotion, they’re unbelievable, and that’s are hard thing to do
I don’t think this is about recreational drugs. It’s about his depression and anxiety and the way that makes you float around feeling suicidal, numb and a shell of yourself.
Sertraline is a drug for anxiety and depression. Serotonin is what’s missing from your body when you feel depressed. I think the concept of the gallows is that he’s on the edge of allowing the darkness to take him. Constantly having to balance rather than having a firm footing. Not feeling grounded.
Ren is like the artist whos been long awaited by many to finally address the elephant in the room. He most bravely screams the truth from rooftops: "The King is naked!" *sigh* Such a relief..Thank you Ren.
Man, I just love you. Seriously.
I said it before and I will say it again - I originaly started watching you because of Dimash, Aurora and couple of other artists, but no matter the type of artists, you never dissapoint with your honest and heartfelt reactions. ❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I sure hope @renmakesmusic views this, a really good effort put forth.
One more thing to add to the "Gallows" line: The very thing killing him is also the very thing keeping him alive. His life and death line (being the noose) is the vice. Either way the conclusion to it all is his demise.
I appreciate your breakdown. The lyrics floating chalk outlines felt to me as death. They are walking around like zombies as they feel they have already died. There are only chalk outlines that are placed on the ground, but they carry on daily with these curses of a living death. Just my thoughts. Love your work!
There is hope, though. Think of Hi Ren, where we meet 'the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope'. Thank you for your inspiring thoughts. I will watch this again. Can I just warn you that 'How to be me' hits even harder? Stunning, but it'll be one hell of a ride.
Good evening sir , thank you for another compelling breakdown. This might be a personal question, but why do you suppose Ren keeps making us cry, aside from the obvious reasons.
Don’t worry brother, Ren has the same effect on all of us. Be well and have a great week.
Please react to freckled angels live next... I prefer his live one take videos or live performances
Thankyou.
Would absolutely love you to watch The tale of Jenny and screech full version. It’s three parts that need to go together (Jenny’s tale, screech’s tale, and violets tale.) Ren has them out together as a single 13ish minute video. Well worth a watch.
What feelings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've come to the conclusion that Ren is the Diogenes of modern music.
No studio, no expensive producer, no complement of filters and auto-tuners. Just two extremely talented artists using natural acoustics to send a message of stunning magnitude. The same as with the empty room for Hi Ren. When Ren first got ill with Lyme disease he was so sick he stayed in bed 23 hours a day. More pills, more pills. and more pills making him sicker. Hopefully, you have watched, Sick Boi... The drugs were not by choice.
Ok when you said "that noose is also a lifeline" hit really hard. I keep dancing on that line between "what do i hate more-how i feel without medications or how those medications make me feel?"
Goodness this man...........is sooooo young to be so old.......I'm obsessed....n this song is Mt drug for now so thanks ren your the d man. Lol
I love that it is so open to interpretation. Chalk outlines like they are dying inside, or like they draw this shape that looks like a person but they don’t really fit into. Or like the fuzzy edges of chalk art that has soft edges. Or even like redrawing yourself as a new shape that you’ll grow into. So beautiful.
I saw another reactor the other day, who actually took that refrain part as a positive message of like healthy habits like affirmations. I’m putting a big smile on not to necessarily bury yourself but to bury the sadness, which I know it’s something that a lot of us do. He’s just brilliant.
The fact that his music can say so many things to so many people is a testament to how good of a lyricist he is. Such simple lines with such profound meaning.
This is so powerful. Hearing so much of my life flowing out of someone else's mouth in the form of beautiful lyrics. Music has an amazing power of empathy
YES! I love it when I'm not the only one crying!
This one is so very heavy. The two of them embody the despair and suffering so well. The echo in that hallway is so organic. Brilliant. He does do upbeat songs also. I would highly recommend Power or Humble. They are my favorite upbeat tunes right now.
Thank you for this reaction. I've been losing my mind over this song since it first happened to me. I'm obsessed with the intentional beauty of those harmonies. To me they represent what, in reality, is always the most destructive, entropic relationships but in their brief shining moments, the drawing out of each other, the being seen, the sick cold comfort of intimacy before it's burned off by the heat of such an unsustainable existence. The becoming like each other in order not to be alone and again, even within that there is no other possible outcome but destruction and erasure. It's such a potent shorthand, "chalk outline" and even before the physical death, the horror of being dead while you still draw breath. He's astounding and it does my heart so much good to see this music felt and respected so deeply.
Thank you so much for letting it play at the start, this song is best experienced uninteruppted due to the powerful buildup of emotion that it has. Most reactors would have worried about copyright but you rightfully just got swept up in the emotion and respected the art of it. Wonderful breakdown as well, you have gained a new sub :)
I'm absolutely addicted to Ren since I started listening 2wks or so ago. Man of many talents
Jesus, that was f'ing great.
Powerful song and powerful reaction. Like how you watched the full song and took time to gather your thoughts.
I think some of the reactors who pause the videos to often are having a hard time understanding why their emotions are going haywire. Pausing, for me, seems to take away the full impact of feeling the emotional journey Ren guides you through.
?? Maybe??
I had an additional thought about the "erase ourselves in these chalk outlines" line. Throughout my life, I've encountered people who felt that these pharmaceutical drugs changed who they are. My mom had to get off one because it took away any feelings of attachment to her children. One artistic friend lost the ability to be inspired, so couldn't do their art. These are changes to the fundamental parts of you that make you who you are. So you're erasing yourself in a chalk outline, while continuing to exist.
Wow. Thank you for your reaction. This is only the second one from you regarding Ren. He cuts to the chase. I have always considered myself totally in control of my destiny, thoughts and beliefs. However he is highlighting the knife edge that we all live upon. For some people the knife edge is broader. But there’s always an edge. His message is simple and also complicated. We are all multi layered. We have to find a way forward no matter how steep the hill is in front of us. To survive as a species and to embrace our existence as a tiny fraction of our planet. This is all we’ve got. Thank you again. X
Your analysis mirrors my own with the exception of your insight into why Chinchilla is essential to the song. ❤I instinctually knew she was essential to the core of the song but you articulated it so well and the underlying reason❤
It was so interesting to hear your take on this wonderful song! It was fascinating to see how your mind interpreted everything so enthusiastically and skillfully. As another piece of art made by Ren, this song is open to the interpretation of the viewer and no interpretation is wrong really. However, knowing Ren's background this song is a bit more literal. Ren suffered from episodes of psychosis when he was younger due to undiagnosed Lyme's Disease. He was treated for the psychosis and depression instead of the Lyme's Disease which had awful side effects one of which was that feeling that he was walking around like a zombie, numbing him from emotion and thought, hence the chalk outlines floating around. To me the corridor was significant in that it would be how he felt immediately after taking his meds (like the setraline and serotonin Chinchilla mentions). As he walks down the corridor, he is dissociating from his body and he hears the world around him in muffled tones until it disappears altogether. The old papers and notes, all his old thoughts from a time he was more himself still hiding in the recesses of his mind, they seem so far away to him; like ancient history. The chair sound highlights how alone he is here until he is joined by another patient in the same situation where they can find solace in one and other. But like i said, Ren leaves his work open to the interpretation of the viewer and that's part of his genius, bc that's why so many can relate to his songs and feel that gut punch just like you did!
Thanks for this. Ren has said that he doesn't want to explain some lines in his work because he wants people to able to find their own meaning within it. Some of your theories don't align with mine, but many others do. I also appreciate that you didn't edit out your emotional response; ultimately Ren's work wouldn't be as important to as many people as it is, if it didn't touch a cord within so many of us.
Get's you in the soulfulness.
I have goosebumps ON MY FACE.
Interesting to hear your other perspectives on the chalk outline and how it can be taken in multiple meanings. As a former cocaine/crack addict who used it to numb the absolute misery of my life such that pharmaceuticals wouldn't even touch the pain other than strong sleeping tablets to knock me out (I've often said crack actually saved my life as it was that or the noose at times), my key feeling from this was that drugs (both recreational and prescribed) make you feel numb & empty, so just a hollow of yourself, you're dead inside (and hence the crime scene double meaning) but I like your take on we are drawing our own crime scene around ourselves and keeping ourselves stuck inside that outline. Re chalk, I took that as its not permanent- it can be erased and redrawn but also the relief from drugs is only temporary. I hadn't thought of the fact that pharmaceuticals are essentially chalk, or the link between lines of cocaine looking like cut chalk we take bit by bit. Knowing Ren I imagine he intended to cover all of these things
A great reaction to a great artist.
I think Ren resenates with so many people because the lyrics are written as his truth but in a way that is open to so many iterpetations. That is his brilliance in his storytelling just like Aurora does. My two favorite artists of all time. They are so true, emotional and raw. Not afrait to talk about darker areas of life but still with hope and empathy.
People have mentioned that this story is probably personal Ren to the struggle he has had in his journey with the medical field and being misdiagnosed.
But like you said there are so many layers for us to interoperate the lyrics, like the part about the chalk outline. You brought up so many angles and by favorite was about them looking like lines of powdered drugs, line by line and also like the white stuff in pills.
I thought of ‘we trace ourselves in these chalk outlines’ as: We do it to ourselfs to take up a new habit that makes us feel like living dead, being dead inside as the chalk outlines in the crime scene are done around dead bodies. As the body is then brought to the morgue and the outlines are still there in the crime scene but nothing inside so walking around ‘like a floating chalk outline’- can be feeling like an empty shell, being just outlines and blank inside, like the chalked outline at the crime scene. Being just an outline but empty inside then also goes with ‘bury my self with a great big smile’ - the smile being the empty shell and bury also referring to death, being dead inside. And when he sings ‘we erase ourselves in these chalk outlines - chalk outlines are frail and easy to erase, can be washed away or easily smudged by a cleaner or any bystander. Or even the elements of nature like the rain. So many ways to see this. What a fantastic artist Ren is.
I apreiciate your long and thoughtful reaction.
Brilliant reaction and super-smart, thoughtful interpretation. My first instinct was that Ren was looking through medical records and clinical trial data and whatnot - simply because I know he has been searching for proper diagnosis and treatment for his various conditions for years. But it works for your extended storyboards too. The line about being scared to be OK (and even rhyming/contrasting it with such a perfect day!) is so thought-provoking and on the money. One more thought: the part where he sings "Oh my my, oh my my" feels like it's lifted straight from The Verve's Lucky Man which would fit perfectly with hiding behind a great big smile etc. (Ren actually dropped a Verve cover this week, so we know this was one of his musical worlds growing up) Anyway cheers!
No one gets through his without getting emotional. I've watched SO many reactions to this and still get teary eyed.
we only had a brief hearing of Ren's singing voice in "Hi Ren".......in this performance we get the full 'Bardcore'........."Take this one, wash it down and you'll be fine" is what the doctors tell Ren......"There's a pill for everything".......what sarcasm and disgust!
The genius of Ren is that he uses ambiguity in his work that allows it to resonate on so many levels and with so many's experience.
This is so greatest reaction and breakdown to any song I’ve seen. And when it comes to Ren, I have seen many. Thank you.
Thanks very much. Really appreciate it. 🙂
Perfect day is also the title of Lou Reeds song of the same name.....which [allegedly]refers to heroin addiction...the tune was used extensively, innocently? by various ad agencies/TV companies etc. before this [possible] aspect was pointed out..
Back when I was lost that song spoke my mind if you know you know
Love your raw emotion it’s so relatable to most if not all
The chalk outlines are a fantastic metaphor, and you nailed it.
Aww i love ur reactions ❤ur face said it all n u broke it down beautifully.Ren is the first UK artist whose affected me so much since Mic Righteous, he’s amazing xxx
Beauty Observes Beauty; Beautifully
So, I came here to watch this. I've never seen you before but you're my new favourite. It's almost like it's on purpose. He went to Canada and then blew up, he got out of here so he won't be hassled and let his music do the talking. There's always a conspiracy, ha ha ha.
This is actually a great song! 🎸🖤😀First listen and i'm already liking it
Omgosh Omgosh Omgosh, my eyes r just leaking like a faucet left on just a little. What a wonderful reaction. #HOG
"Oh mama, oh mama" chorus also plays into parents drawing chalk outlines around you as a kid. This song hits hard in so many ways.
It's a beautiful song. Captures how I've felt a few times in my life quite well. He sings with the sadness and she adds a bit of angst, sure does paint a picture. What I get out of this song is sometimes you just have to grind your teeth and go through things. Of course we all put ourselves into the stuff we listen to...
You're this first reactor to get it right.
"Walk around in these floating chalk outlines" & "feeling ghost in the chalk outlines"... feeling numb and paralyzed.
"Draw ourself in the chalk outlines"...killing ourselves with bad happened and addictions, "balance on our toes", fighting fighting fighting. "Erase ourselves from the chalk outlines"... nothing left of who I used to be, I'm dead maybe even really dead.
Chalk outlines have a very universal image around the world and that is the 'crime scene' visual.
So great to see someone who really get it.
What a beautiful and moving reaction ❤️
Thank you for taking your time to explain your thoughts ❤️
Love music part 3 by Ren, will put a smile on your face for sure. So so good. Great vibes.
Thank you. Honest reaction, honest coments. I am discovering new music by watching you.
I was moved by your emotive ‘reaction’, your insight and perception. I should create the word reactionalysis. I think that this song and Hi Ren reach inside those who have struggled with minor and major things in life and suddenly allows us to know we are not alone. I’m sure that many truly touched by these songs through life experiences hold genuine compassion which is a very powerful force within, not just empathy or sympathy. Thank you ❤️🇬🇧
My goodness. You are absolutely genius at dissecting Rens music. Just like Ren pouring his heart and soul into his music, you do just the same in appreciating it. Thank you for this video. I’m now a subscriber and will be listening to all your reactions to Ren.
Ren has so many uniquely powerful songs that I it is so hard deciding which one is like to hear a reaction to next. Sick Boi is and obvious one as is a A Tale of Jenny and Screech but I think I’d like to hear a reaction to Penitence. This one had the most beautiful sound to it. Awesome stuff, will also be checking out your background as you are deep
I've gone down the Ren rabbit hole.. At this point, if he sang a song backwards and be complete mumble jumble, I'd STILL love it 😂
Ren is just Amazing As is Chinchilla Thank you x
Your analysis and emotional response to this song was as beautiful as the song itself. Amazing way to describe what is being protrayed here with all of the different layers and meanings. This will help many, not just the song itself, but you taking the time to share your highly intelligent thoughts on it in such a well-spoken manner. So glad you are back and looking forward to whatever you bring us next!
I have discovered Ren today thanks to your two wonderful reactions to these two powerful songs. Thanks Fil, I love your sensibility and intelligence
Welcome to n amazing journey of discovery. There is so much to explore, and the worst you will discover is plain 'really good'.
This is the most eloquent and passionate response I have seen to this song. What a gift. xo
Those papers at the beginning look like old British medical records to me
Man, I am astounded and enthralled listening to your breakdown. Top Notch!
Thankyou for your reaction. I just watched your Hi Ren video also and really appreciate your insight. Please do a reaction to the trilogy of Jenny, Screech and Violet.
Ren is an absolute genius of our time, and I would love to see your breakdown of his other popular music.
Having suffered from severe depression (along with adult ADHD/ASD, Anxiety) and been placed on many different medications/combinations of meds. For Me, I can honestly say, I would take my pills before bed and hope to wake up as someone different. But no matter how many pills/combination of pills I tried, my biggest side effect was me feeling emotionally numb. So there were so many times I feel like I literally lived out these lyrics. I always described it as barely keeping my face above water. And walking around dead inside. That's what chalk outlines means for me. And while I'm better now, I can't listen to it without sobbing.
I'm pretty sure he's talking about Lithium. It leaves people feeling like they're living dead
Five months later, I'm finding your channel, which is great now that I have been exposed to -. One of your layers of the "chalk outlines" can be backed up by the lyrics in his song "Diazepam." He describes taking diazepam aka Valium as "self-destructive healing." You might want to take a look, even for just yourself: "When you leave why can't I breathe like you've stolen / My very essence, my coding? / Went for a swim and then drowned in your ocean / Don't lie, lie diazepam you / Promised me the world but now I'm rotting and moulding." He's so accurate.
Also, it wasn't until you mentioned the old courtroom files that I realized what the sound of the chair's opening snap reminds me of - the closing clank of a jail cell's door, which ties into your analysis of self-judgment.
Love your reaction and explanations afterwards. I thought the floating chalkline meant walking around dead with the thought the drugs are keeping you alive, but your right, its got so many layers and you explain it well. Thank you
/// The Big Push - English Man In New York live /// The Big Push - Bongo Bong (Manu Chao cover) /// Ren - The Tale of Jenny and Screech (360 Live) ///
Fil, outstanding song from a unique talent. Beautiful, beautiful reaction, bro
When deserts cover all of this we know and the entropy dominates,
the cohesiveness of us blown on trade winds to common names,
the emotional clothes the usual habits, gut instincts are eliminated,
the shapes move to shaped moves and fortresses' don't accomodate.
#QcucumberSquad #Ren #Chinchilla - Fil, I'm off back to the study.
It is great to have you back! The reaction world wasn't the same without your gems of knowledge. And to start with an Artist like Ren, its like discovering Twenty One Pilots for the first time. A real artist with a flawless catalog! Excited to see you run through these amazing songs! ✌
Can't wait for your take/reaction on this.
💥Mind Blown💥
Thank you. I didn’t know I was the only that felt the same. Some times I fell like killing my self but watching people like makes me connect thank you be great sir you deserve it
I also loved ur reaction man we were both choked up at the same time, love it your so raw and feel your shit all the way through you, how can you watch hi ren or this n not be moved to your core, agreed and with every thing you touched on , just to add to it broaden the perspective so to speak,I also thought chalk out line which symbolizes death, to myself , cuz someone had To die to have ur "crime seen" so so we numb our shit to feel better to cope, n try to but we're killing
Numbing illegally then with help , to be able to try to live fully, but in doing so were numbing to the point were barely even there, trying to live, were killing ourselves
Glad ppl new SEE why ur the best! THX’s 4 REN, imho this hits hard, esp if U2 live w/ chronic pain. Peace out .. Love 2U & Fam ❤️🥒
Fable, давно не было ваших реакций на Шамана... Смотрю вас еще с реакций на Димаша. Ваши реакции лучшие!
Wow 🤯😯😱. I was blown away by this analysis!! 🤩 I consider myself to be a deep thinker (also sensitive emotionally) and I thought I caught a lot of aspects of the song/video and have watched other reaction videos but you opened up meaning I didn’t know was there! And along the way I discovered further ideas. You did a great job! I’m curious to watch more of your reactions!!! Definitely a deep dive and it was worth it❣️😯👏🏼
Good reaction but you need to know his full story. He was misdiagnosed for 10 years so the referee to “ take this one, wash it down it down and you’ll be fine”, is something he was told for years. His misdiagnosis, his constant pain, his psychosis, created by the pharma given to him in error, is part of his feeling of “walking dead” in the chalk outlines. Please find out more about him. He also does this to help others by bridging this into the recreational drugs. He is healing millions through his music. Not only the music, but the poetry is so healing. You don’t see that these days for a reason. The mainstream won’t allow him to keep his genius in tact.
Good stuff! Suppose I don’t have to say it, but… Tales of Jenny, Screech and Violet. There’s a trilogy at Ren’s channel.
This corridor, where this takes place, also seems like kind of a chalk outline...
Thanks for your reaction Fil. As usual insightful and deep. Having lost family, friends and patients to addiction over the course of my lifetime, this hit home. When he first snapped the chair, for a brief moment the thought of him trying to hang himself popped in my head. Then he picked up the guitar. I loved your analysis of the Chalk outlines. Great having you back ✌❤😎
Bro you had the same reaction to this that I did. Then it played it while I was getting ready to head out Saturday and she walked in crying asking what what the hell are listening to. She originally wldnt give him a chance and now she’s hooked.
I love your videos! Please react to Ren FT. Bibi - crutch