I'm no longer doing reactions on this channel, but you can catch all future reactions on my new channel: www.youtube.com/@TheEmpoweredVocalist. Hope to see you there!
Thanks for giving honest, unedited reaction. Many of us have been completely broken by some of these songs and its somehow comforting that I'm not alone in feeling that way.
A chalk outline is the tracing around a corpse at a crime scene. Ren is saying that drugs make him feel like the walking dead (or perhaps targeted for death by a "floating chalk outline")
@@ilesalmo7724 I certainly hope not, but I've been suspicious for a long time now, because his illness relapses are eerily similar to my sister's volatile health conditions. She died from a fentanyl overdose. My suspicions certainly weren't diminished by Ren and Knox Hill's latest release.
I didn’t know what I was getting myself into with this one! Next time a happy song. Which one should I do? EDIT: I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for your outpouring of positivity toward me after seeing this video. To be very honest with you, even though people said it was brave to be vulnerable in the video, I personally am struggling with the amount of vulnerability I shared in this video and have found myself wanting to forget all about it to avoid the embarrassment I feel haha. That's why I haven't replied to comments and I've been unusually quiet in terms of responding. But I wanted to just say thank you SO MUCH to everyone who felt compelled to share words of encouragement and positivity. This life is hard and I pray that every person who reads these words will find happiness, peace, and purpose. I'm trying to make steps in my life to better navigate the lows and find those things for myself. To my fellow (bi)Polar Bears, and anyone out there struggling with mental illness, stay strong! God bless the person reading this post.
My take on the chalk outlines metaphor...for what it's worth as, obviously, I could be wrong in terms of what Ren intended...is that, yes, as you say, there is the idea of chalk lines being used around dead bodies, but, I also read it as referring to a feeling of emptiness, ie, just an outline, almost like representing yourself drawn like a stick man, where so much of you has disappeared, to the point that only the outline remains. Great to see you discovering Ren. ❤
Never apologize for your feelings. It's you and it is beautiful, because authentic and it's you vibrating. You are doing great and much better, than maybe you think. Welcome at the club. Lifting up fellow humans, like you do, is really something of value. I also wish, I could lift up myself this way sometimes...
When you got upset I just wanted to give you a great big hug and tell you everything will be ok. I’m a 68yr former rugby player, grandfather of four but I still cry from time to time. It’s a normal human reaction to emotions. This song and others by Ren really pull on the emotions if you’ve experienced mental difficulties. I’ve learned to live with it but it still catches me out now and again. I think we all relate to Ren in some way. He calls Chinchilla his musical sibling I recommend “How to be me” as your next reaction. Finally Shari you’re not alone. x
Crying is never part of the plan, but it is very often the result when it comes to Ren, especially some of the ballads and duets. 😢 A couple others to be prepared for: How to Be Me (live) Su!cide For Joe Crutch Freckled Angels
Your description and how it moved you is exactly all that matters. No one can say exactly what someone means when they write a song. That's the beauty of real art. It can move anyone however it does. Thank you for sharing your feelings of how this hit you. It's been 36 years since I took meds, other drugs or alcohol for complex manic deppression. (That's what they used to call bi-polar) I raised 5 kids on one income. You can overcome anything.
I hope it wasn't from the breakfast he made for himself. Food looked good, but one can never be too careful. Maybe still has some allergies or bad food. He is not only handsome and talented, he can cook!
Josh is not Ren's 'chef'. That was just a passing joke that they ran with. Ren's been cooking for himself for years. He's had to. Ren prepares and cooks his own food, though sometimes someone else, who's around, will take it out of the oven or grill for him, when Ren's having treatment, or busy with something else... :)
You've earned some happy Ren. Check out his work with his band The Big Push. The video titled "I Shot The Sheriff/Road to Zion/Hip Hop". The one where Ren is in the red suspenders. It's next level good, and so much fun.
reaction videos are better when your pure emotions can't be held back, I appreciate you allowing yourself to be vulnerable in this space. I wish you the best, and hope your channel grows, keep doing you, good decisions, bad decisions, it's all a part of the soup we make. remember to give yourself grace, as you said this lifeing stuff is hard and messy.
Wonderful reaction! I for one appreciate the honesty you dare to show with these reactions. You let us in when you show real emotions to what the song mean to you. And your interpretation of what the song mean to you is just as valid as any other, including the artists. I'm with you on the association of chalk outlines to the outline of dead bodies on a crime scene - to me I take that to symbolize a feeling of emotional numbness, being like a walking dead. The effects of the medication may alleviate the symptoms but strip 'the spark' as a side effect. Instead of swinging between pitch black and bright white, everything turns into 'shades of gray'.
Thank you for being brave and sharing your health problems with us all you are braver than you think, having suffered from mental health problems myself there is light at the end of the tunnel ❤❤❤❤
On another reaction video somebody mentioned that they thought Chinchilla didn't have a mic and all her vocals come through Ren's mic. When Chinchilla first appears there is an audible hiss where the sound technician has increased the gain as she is singing at a low volume - you can hear her nails draw through her hair. It's a wonderful song - very moving. Thanks for the reaction!
(((((((Shari))))))) This is my virtual hug for you! A happy song for you next that highlights Ren’s singing would definitely be Bongo Bong with his band The Big Push. You won’t cry during that one I promise. Smiling and maybe a little chair dancing is a distinct possibility though.
Sending you big hugs from Nova Scotia, Canada. Welcome to the Renegade family! Crying is OK. Please don't apologize for being human. As you said, Lifing is really hard. That should be a t-shirt! Ren and Chinchilla see each other as musical siblings. They are magical when they sing together. ❤
By the way Ren says. His songs has meaning to him. But once he puts it out in the world 🌎 it’s the listeners. It’s whatever you need it to be. REN’s insomnia is one you should react to.
I have a few people in my family that suffer from Bipolar Disorder. It is so hard to medicate! Bless you sweet girl❤️ I’m a 62 year old nana… I just want to give you a great big hug. GREAT reaction. I’m so very happy that I found your channel ❤️❤️❤️
Yep. This one gets me too. Severe anxiety disorder/chronic insomnia. Meds keep me functional, but I’ll probably always be like this. Honestly? That’s just me. We all have demons. Thank you for sharing yours. You’re not alone either.
Thanks for being so open and articulating so well your experience with bipolar. It's so important for those who also struggle, as well as, for those whondont to understand a little more. This is a lovely song and reaction. PS. Your makeup is so beautiful!
Thank you for your openness. I can relate. For me it’s ADHD, depression and anxiety. Meds make me feel dead inside… Every single night I go to bed hyped to wake up and be different. Then, every single day I wake to be the same version as the day before. It’s a never ending cycle. ** I love that Ren’s music has helped us to share and support one another.
A happy one " Bongo Bong " The Big Push " the band Ren is in, such an uplifting track! Chinchilla's latest 1:5 ( LIVE ) is awesome, she is another level ( Fingers Live for Hunger TV is off the scale )
Never apologise for being real and authentic. If you watch Ren's chapters 1-8 he will blow you're mind all over again at how resilient he is and inspiring! He's damn near a doctor at this point all through his grit and determination of NEVER giving up. Beautiful reaction 💙
Your reaction.. your vulnerability… this is what REN does…. He brings us together through our shared issues that we only are starting to talk about…. Thank you for being so raw, so open.. you may not know it, but you are paying it forward…. As REN has done by sharing his art… .which has had you share… with me…. And maybe I can share in anyway I can …. We are the connective tissue for each other… REN helps us remember we are not alone…. Again, thank you for being real, raw, vulnerable… what you shared will help someone else .. you are , again, paying it forward….
There’s a cultural difference between the US and UK: The US looks at optimism as the only way forward, almost to a fault; whereby sorrow and negativity must be ignored. The UK would consider this as sugarcoating reality. The UK looks at life like a Greek Tragedy; whereby there is beauty and meaning in self-reflection and being honest about troubles and sorrow…because it helps to appreciate happiness even more. I feel like a lot of American reactors don’t quite get this subtle difference. Edit: I’m not saying this ☝️ about you - just a general observation.
We're all here because we feel a connection to ren's struggles. Either personally or a family member. With me it has been chronic fatigue from mold poisoning and mental health issues from that struggle.
The power of this song is it often turns into a therapy session for the person reacting to it -- and I believe that's a good thing, to speak out what's weighing on one's heart and just let go. Even a little tear can carry so much of whats going on inside and flush it out of the system. Thank you Shari for sharing ❤&🤗
I think there are two interpretations, one the chalk out line is empty hollow, the other is as you say it denotes death, the drugs are supressing eliminating every thing.
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt reaction...your honesty is appreciated and I for one think you are doing just fine with this life thing❤ (and yea.. I think you are on point with the in-patient setting-in memories at least- and the comprehension of "chalk outlines" )..so many of us can relate to Ren and the messages he is putting across in this and his other hard-hitting tracks. YES you do deserve a taste of the more upbeat and happy Ren... check out "Losing It" or any of the other appropriate suggestions from the Renegades. 👍
Thank you for your honest and true to you reaction. I am 70 years old and had similar health issues to Ren in my 30's. I was very fortunate to discover the cause of my issues before too much damage occurred. This song brings me to tears every time I hear it because it reminds me of those years and the way it felt. I wish you the best on your journey and hope you find the success that you deserve. ❤
My interpretation is a lot of the time when you're on Antidepressants you feel like the walking dead hence floating chalk outlines. That's just my take.
Lifing is hard....mic drop! I love your vulnerability and we can relate to exactly what you mean. Its that pendulum from dark to light. It never rests and it goes on whether we want it to or not. The mania is so tough. I work with the homeless and i hear the medication dilema a lot. They either stop because they decided they were better or they hate the way the medication dulls the highs. It's bound to drive anyone to tears. YOU are definitely not alone and your being open is touching! Loved it!
Oh sweetheart ❤I keep up with NOT taking the meds . I stopped and it was hard man . However, my life has changed for the better in so many ways. Things will be up and down, but hey , you are an inspiration in yourself. I've started my own business and you have inspired me to keep moving forward. Anyway, good luck with the music and the future . If you can be a mum and still do what you are, stronger than you think ❤
To me listening to Ren is now easy, fun and amazing. I expect nothing and I make sure I'm strapped in! Because it will be a rollercoaster and I will most probably cry, again! I must say after around 500+ reactions I stopped crying but you got me going again!!! ❤❤ I hope you ok? If you ever want to talk to someone, I'm here!!! Just know you are not alone and its ok not to be ok, own that and continue on your life journey as best as you can...
I'm late to this one but great reaction. Ren is addicting because he makes that emotion you don't want to let go, just out and you really just have to face it in that moment. And that feeling is amazing. Never apologize.
I think you caught the premise of the song quite well. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself with us. I have similar thoughts and sleep issues. We can do this. We can make decisions, and we CAN weigh the risks and consequences to our livelihood. We need to take each step individually, and at each step we can make a decision on which direction our next step takes us. Even if it is backwards, that is progression and healthy. I wish I could take my own advice.
LOL "I did not plan on crying". Have you heard Ren before? Check out "Power" or "What You Want" for a pick me up. I'm so excited that I'm going to see Chinchilla live in L.A. tonight with my teenagers.
Chaulk Outlines is about him being diagnosed with things he didn’t have for years he spent si much time in hospital, rehab, mental hospitals, so they put him on so many different medications you feel like your high 24/7 and dead and when you die from drugs whether it’s prescribed of not they draw a Chaulk outlines of you in the ground dead. Also the white outfits are what they make you wear in rehab or mental hospitals, so it’s just another detail in this song
Can do anything and get it done TODAY! I can sooooo relate. I may have mentioned, for the only time previously on your other vid. I had a bad manic period that ended in a nervous breakdown, phycotic break, and institutionalization. Along with much worse happening because of being given LITHIUM. Sorry, just in one of those moods today. Just pointing out that I really do get where you are coming from... 😢❤
Ren is a Master at writing lyrics that lend themselves to multiple interpretations, I "Think" Chalk Outlines means the Mental Haze that many of the Drugs used for Mental Adjustments can Impart, It can also mean Feeling you have "Lost" the Center of Yourself leaving just a "Chalk" Outline, but could also mean the Fear of ending as a "Chalk Outline" in the Traditional Meaning after Everything Ends.
Really enjoyed your reaction here. Genuine heart felt emotion for a truly amazing song. Thank you. P.s had a listen to your back catalog and you have an amazing voice. Write a song that mixes the emotions you showed today with that voice of yours and you’d leave me in tears!
The RENegades are as diverse as Ren's art. As you know Ren's one take live performances are thought out and orchestrated. Ren talks about Chinchilla as his creative sibling. I personally think the chalk outline is a muted version of one's self (me but a more palatable and controlled me) the line "it's such a perfect day take it just incase" hit's me knowing that feeling. You are one of us RENegades, we find each other because of how his art affects us and it makes us want to talk and comfort each other. His music, art, poetry, storytelling and cinematic master pieces are perfectly imperfect just like us. But the fact that his art makes us want to talk honestly as well as bringing a hugely diverse group of people together is what amazes me. Great reaction 👏 and I look forward to seeing previous and future reactions.
I really feel for you with your struggles. Sadly my other half unexpectedly developed bipolar disorder and over a period of three years suffered four episodes of mania requiring her being confined in a secure facility during treatment. While she is a beautiful person it took a huge toll on us both. Myself, not knowing how to cope with the trauma of watching what I describe as a train wreck happening before my eyes, leaving me now with PTSD. It is why I relate to Ren's work particularly with his struggle with certain medications. I still tear up every time I watch chalk outlines as I see my wife's struggles in their struggles. Sadly our marriage has not survived the journey but we remain friends. Kia kaha (stay strong) from NZ.
Thank you for your genuine heartfelt reaction. “Chalk Outlines” touches me deeply no matter how many times I watch this video or hear this song. 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. 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 rawer, 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. Someone (Obj Owl @JoesTheBestInTheWorl) shared his interpretation, I think fittingly so, “The sound of the folding chair opening up fills the empty space with echoes emanating from the walls and then diminishes. Ren uses this to compose the song, with Chalk Outlines representing the empty space that he feels within. Chinchilla, who also emerges from the walls and echos Ren throughout and suitably for an echo, has the last word, leaving a dark empty space. It's dark on the gallows.” 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). Even on a relatively good day when you might not want to take your pills, you take them “just in case,” and you never truly enjoy “being ok because all things change,” i.e., your well-being is usually short-lived and followed by another bout with depression. In her opening line, Chinchilla even mentions the antidepressant (SSRI) “Sertraline” and references serotonin. 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; they left me an emotional zombie, while the benefits were negligible. I lost all capacity to feel love, compassion, or empathy while feelings of anger, and rage remained and were potentiated and frequently dominated my psyche. I am still struggling daily, but I rather feel pain than nothing at all. 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, performing “Sexual Healing” (Marvin Gaye cover) and “One Dance / Drunk in love” (Drake/Beyoncé cover). The latter two are of a much more joyful nature. As for “Chalk Outlines,” it is one of my favorite songs right now; it is beautiful yet sad. Looking forward to more Ren reactions from you. God bless.
Know what you mean. It is like a rollercoaster and sometimes you fly high, but the higher you get, the deeper is the fall. And sometimes it´s hard when the down phase is so long, that you wonder if it is going up again.
Shari, you hang in there as well. It does get better over time. You learn to recognize triggers and how to avoid them. You learn to trust yourself more and grow comfortable with the oscillations (part of the dance from "Hi Ren"). And it helps that as you get older the swings tend to become smaller.
Lifing is hard....mic drop! I love your vulnerability and we can relate to exactly what you mean. Its that pendulum from dark to light. It never rests and it goes on whether we want it to or not. The mania is so tough. I pray for your healing on-going!
bipolar II here, 8 years diagnosed. mostly ok, but sometimes manic, and luckily for me thats directed into positive, constructive activities. i'm actually a little down now going through a med change. i think there's no end game. life with BP is just going to be constant management, constant vigilance. that was the biggest lesson ive learned so far - when i start to feel weird, call my doctor. check meds, sleep, exercise, diet, anything positive i can control. why not just take the meds? i cannot imagine not taking them and feeling if not "normal" then mostly centered. EDIT: you could have ended the reaction sooner. it was brave of you to leave your honesty out there. that was fucking brave.
You generally find that when a male and female duet the female's voice is usually more powerful than the male vocalist. Whenever Ren and Chinchilla duet they compliment each other so well... One isn't stronger than the other... They're spot on!!! ❤️🏴🏴🇬🇧
I understand what you were saying. I work at home and barely leave the house unless it’s to do work outside or for the dog. One piece of advice I’ve gotten is to give yourself some time during the day to just take a walk
I've seen quite a few different meanings of 'Chalk outlines' and they made sense to me. Yours is no different. To me it's feeling 'dead inside' and just going through the motions. This is the beauty of Rens lyrics, something for everyone 8)
I'm no longer doing reactions on this channel, but you can catch all future reactions on my new channel: www.youtube.com/@TheEmpoweredVocalist. Hope to see you there!
Please never apologize for feeling something when you listen to Ren. You'll never have a more understanding group to challenges.
Thanks for giving honest, unedited reaction. Many of us have been completely broken by some of these songs and its somehow comforting that I'm not alone in feeling that way.
A chalk outline is the tracing around a corpse at a crime scene. Ren is saying that drugs make him feel like the walking dead (or perhaps targeted for death by a "floating chalk outline")
And it may be a double since heroin looks like chalk
@@ilesalmo7724 I certainly hope not, but I've been suspicious for a long time now, because his illness relapses are eerily similar to my sister's volatile health conditions. She died from a fentanyl overdose. My suspicions certainly weren't diminished by Ren and Knox Hill's latest release.
@@nancyj795 there are lines (pun unintended) in his Power-song
@@nancyj795 I was just 16, up in the kitchen, racking up lines 'till my nose bled (Power)
16 with an affliction, in an addiction with my dread
@@nancyj795Are you saying you're suspicious that Ren may be doing heroin or fentanyl?
Ren brings out our deepest emotions. Thanks for the reaction.
I didn’t know what I was getting myself into with this one! Next time a happy song. Which one should I do? EDIT: I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for your outpouring of positivity toward me after seeing this video. To be very honest with you, even though people said it was brave to be vulnerable in the video, I personally am struggling with the amount of vulnerability I shared in this video and have found myself wanting to forget all about it to avoid the embarrassment I feel haha. That's why I haven't replied to comments and I've been unusually quiet in terms of responding. But I wanted to just say thank you SO MUCH to everyone who felt compelled to share words of encouragement and positivity. This life is hard and I pray that every person who reads these words will find happiness, peace, and purpose. I'm trying to make steps in my life to better navigate the lows and find those things for myself. To my fellow (bi)Polar Bears, and anyone out there struggling with mental illness, stay strong! God bless the person reading this post.
Big Push and Bongo Bongo.. Happy song
Humble with Eden Nash!
Big push - Englishman in New York
Do "Back on 74".
It will be all smiles. 😊
My take on the chalk outlines metaphor...for what it's worth as, obviously, I could be wrong in terms of what Ren intended...is that, yes, as you say, there is the idea of chalk lines being used around dead bodies, but, I also read it as referring to a feeling of emptiness, ie, just an outline, almost like representing yourself drawn like a stick man, where so much of you has disappeared, to the point that only the outline remains.
Great to see you discovering Ren. ❤
Never apologize for your feelings. It's you and it is beautiful, because authentic and it's you vibrating. You are doing great and much better, than maybe you think. Welcome at the club. Lifting up fellow humans, like you do, is really something of value. I also wish, I could lift up myself this way sometimes...
Ditto. I know what I should be doing, but I can't get there.
Watch Chinchilla doing 1:5, her voice is incredible 😁
Not a happy song though, full disclosure
When you got upset I just wanted to give you a great big hug and tell you everything will be ok. I’m a 68yr former rugby player, grandfather of four but I still cry from time to time. It’s a normal human reaction to emotions. This song and others by Ren really pull on the emotions if you’ve experienced mental difficulties. I’ve learned to live with it but it still catches me out now and again. I think we all relate to Ren in some way. He calls Chinchilla his musical sibling I recommend “How to be me” as your next reaction.
Finally Shari you’re not alone. x
Crying is never part of the plan, but it is very often the result when it comes to Ren, especially some of the ballads and duets. 😢
A couple others to be prepared for:
How to Be Me (live)
Su!cide
For Joe
Crutch
Freckled Angels
And his Insomnia and Dominoes, they always make me cry because they are so relatable to me.
And Dear God to me
You're not alone with getting emotional to this song... no need to apologize for showing your emotions and tears!
Chinchilla song fingers live version will blow your mind its so good ❤❤
Your description and how it moved you is exactly all that matters. No one can say exactly what someone means when they write a song. That's the beauty of real art. It can move anyone however it does. Thank you for sharing your feelings of how this hit you.
It's been 36 years since I took meds, other drugs or alcohol for complex manic deppression. (That's what they used to call bi-polar)
I raised 5 kids on one income.
You can overcome anything.
Ren was rushed to A+E yesterday during the filming of his latest video due to his ongoing battle with auto immunity., really hope he's ok :/
Me too! I hope this doesn't set him back hard on his journey towards healing. Let us all send him deep positive energy for recovery.
I hope it wasn't from the breakfast he made for himself. Food looked good, but one can never be too careful. Maybe still has some allergies or bad food. He is not only handsome and talented, he can cook!
@@adam.4487 Poor old Josh the 'chef' gets no recognition - not sure Ren actually knows how to turn an oven on tbf lol
I’m really saddened to hear this and I’m praying strength for him and a speedy recovery. 🙏🏽
Josh is not Ren's 'chef'. That was just a passing joke that they ran with. Ren's been cooking for himself for years. He's had to. Ren prepares and cooks his own food, though sometimes someone else, who's around, will take it out of the oven or grill for him, when Ren's having treatment, or busy with something else... :)
You've earned some happy Ren. Check out his work with his band The Big Push. The video titled "I Shot The Sheriff/Road to Zion/Hip Hop". The one where Ren is in the red suspenders. It's next level good, and so much fun.
I mentioned that we appreciate the emotion. It's ok to cry with these. They are deep. We all cried many times with a lot of his work.
reaction videos are better when your pure emotions can't be held back, I appreciate you allowing yourself to be vulnerable in this space. I wish you the best, and hope your channel grows, keep doing you, good decisions, bad decisions, it's all a part of the soup we make. remember to give yourself grace, as you said this lifeing stuff is hard and messy.
Wonderful reaction! I for one appreciate the honesty you dare to show with these reactions. You let us in when you show real emotions to what the song mean to you. And your interpretation of what the song mean to you is just as valid as any other, including the artists. I'm with you on the association of chalk outlines to the outline of dead bodies on a crime scene - to me I take that to symbolize a feeling of emotional numbness, being like a walking dead. The effects of the medication may alleviate the symptoms but strip 'the spark' as a side effect. Instead of swinging between pitch black and bright white, everything turns into 'shades of gray'.
Very well said ❤
Enjoyed your honesty, and Ren does a great job of starting the conversations that need to be had. Don't feel bad for showing your emotions
The usual interpretation is how dead you feel inside when taking ineffective medication
Thank you for being brave and sharing your health problems with us all you are braver than you think, having suffered from mental health problems myself there is light at the end of the tunnel ❤❤❤❤
I swear, Chinchilla does something to my soul. Her beauty combined with the passion you feel through her vocals is absolutely captivating.
Sending a virtual hug ❤
He’s back in the hospital. If you want to help support please consider joining his Patreon.
On another reaction video somebody mentioned that they thought Chinchilla didn't have a mic and all her vocals come through Ren's mic.
When Chinchilla first appears there is an audible hiss where the sound technician has increased the gain as she is singing at a low volume - you can hear her nails draw through her hair.
It's a wonderful song - very moving. Thanks for the reaction!
(((((((Shari)))))))
This is my virtual hug for you!
A happy song for you next that highlights Ren’s singing would definitely be Bongo Bong with his band The Big Push. You won’t cry during that one I promise. Smiling and maybe a little chair dancing is a distinct possibility though.
Sending you big hugs from Nova Scotia, Canada. Welcome to the Renegade family! Crying is OK. Please don't apologize for being human. As you said, Lifing is really hard. That should be a t-shirt! Ren and Chinchilla see each other as musical siblings. They are magical when they sing together. ❤
You are sweet! I loved that I found you on here! Welcome to the Renegades! We are mighty and we love you! ❤️
By the way Ren says. His songs has meaning to him. But once he puts it out in the world 🌎 it’s the listeners. It’s whatever you need it to be.
REN’s insomnia is one you should react to.
I have a few people in my family that suffer from Bipolar Disorder. It is so hard to medicate! Bless you sweet girl❤️ I’m a 62 year old nana… I just want to give you a great big hug. GREAT reaction. I’m so very happy that I found your channel ❤️❤️❤️
Yep. This one gets me too. Severe anxiety disorder/chronic insomnia. Meds keep me functional, but I’ll probably always be like this. Honestly? That’s just me. We all have demons. Thank you for sharing yours. You’re not alone either.
Thanks for being so open and articulating so well your experience with bipolar. It's so important for those who also struggle, as well as, for those whondont to understand a little more. This is a lovely song and reaction.
PS. Your makeup is so beautiful!
Thank you for your openness. I can relate. For me it’s ADHD, depression and anxiety. Meds make me feel dead inside… Every single night I go to bed hyped to wake up and be different. Then, every single day I wake to be the same version as the day before. It’s a never ending cycle.
** I love that Ren’s music has helped us to share and support one another.
@@distracted-Heather
Great comment I feel the same sometimes
Yes Ren total genius and strong in the mind
Sharis an angel
A happy one " Bongo Bong " The Big Push " the band Ren is in, such an uplifting track! Chinchilla's latest 1:5 ( LIVE ) is awesome, she is another level ( Fingers Live for Hunger TV is off the scale )
Thank you Sweet heart. We ALL need to be reminded....that we are not alone
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability! It’s so relatable and you are a beautiful soul. ❤
Thank you for being so open ❤
I think you were spot on in your reaction. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us ❤️👏👏. Loved 🥰 your reaction
Never apologise for being real and authentic. If you watch Ren's chapters 1-8 he will blow you're mind all over again at how resilient he is and inspiring! He's damn near a doctor at this point all through his grit and determination of NEVER giving up. Beautiful reaction 💙
You just found another person in this journey. Chinchilla! Its a whole other journey/rabbit hole on its own. 😊❤
Your reaction.. your vulnerability… this is what REN does…. He brings us together through our shared issues that we only are starting to talk about…. Thank you for being so raw, so open.. you may not know it, but you are paying it forward…. As REN has done by sharing his art… .which has had you share… with me…. And maybe I can share in anyway I can …. We are the connective tissue for each other… REN helps us remember we are not alone…. Again, thank you for being real, raw, vulnerable… what you shared will help someone else .. you are , again, paying it forward….
There’s a cultural difference between the US and UK:
The US looks at optimism as the only way forward, almost to a fault; whereby sorrow and negativity must be ignored. The UK would consider this as sugarcoating reality.
The UK looks at life like a Greek Tragedy; whereby there is beauty and meaning in self-reflection and being honest about troubles and sorrow…because it helps to appreciate happiness even more.
I feel like a lot of American reactors don’t quite get this subtle difference.
Edit: I’m not saying this ☝️ about you - just a general observation.
A big hug from an old man. Take care❤❤❤
You're an awfully brave and beautiful person. Thank you for sharing. 🖤
Much love,
From STHLM, Sweden
We're all here because we feel a connection to ren's struggles. Either personally or a family member. With me it has been chronic fatigue from mold poisoning and mental health issues from that struggle.
Chinchilla's voice is magnificent, she should be a global superstar by now
The power of this song is it often turns into a therapy session for the person reacting to it -- and I believe that's a good thing, to speak out what's weighing on one's heart and just let go. Even a little tear can carry so much of whats going on inside and flush it out of the system.
Thank you Shari for sharing ❤&🤗
Their chemistry is palpable. Theyre definitely connected by a tether musically. They way they lean into each other. Gives me chills.
I think there are two interpretations, one the chalk out line is empty hollow, the other is as you say it denotes death, the drugs are supressing eliminating every thing.
Lifting IS hard and I think you got the message you needed from the song! Loved your reaction! Best of luck and mind yourself!
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt reaction...your honesty is appreciated and I for one think you are doing just fine with this life thing❤ (and yea.. I think you are on point with the in-patient setting-in memories at least- and the comprehension of "chalk outlines" )..so many of us can relate to Ren and the messages he is putting across in this and his other hard-hitting tracks. YES you do deserve a taste of the more upbeat and happy Ren... check out "Losing It" or any of the other appropriate suggestions from the Renegades. 👍
Thank you for sharing and showing vulnerability ❤. Loved your reaction 👏👏
Thank you for your honest and true to you reaction. I am 70 years old and had similar health issues to Ren in my 30's. I was very fortunate to discover the cause of my issues before too much damage occurred. This song brings me to tears every time I hear it because it reminds me of those years and the way it felt.
I wish you the best on your journey and hope you find the success that you deserve. ❤
My interpretation is a lot of the time when you're on Antidepressants you feel like the walking dead hence floating chalk outlines. That's just my take.
Beautiful reaction, and you are beautiful too! Thanks for sharing your personal struggles, I totally understand🫂🫂
You were not the only one crying. Take care of yourself. I enjoy your videos. ❤
Lifing is hard....mic drop! I love your vulnerability and we can relate to exactly what you mean. Its that pendulum from dark to light. It never rests and it goes on whether we want it to or not. The mania is so tough. I work with the homeless and i hear the medication dilema a lot. They either stop because they decided they were better or they hate the way the medication dulls the highs. It's bound to drive anyone to tears. YOU are definitely not alone and your being open is touching! Loved it!
Oh sweetheart ❤I keep up with NOT taking the meds . I stopped and it was hard man . However, my life has changed for the better in so many ways. Things will be up and down, but hey , you are an inspiration in yourself. I've started my own business and you have inspired me to keep moving forward. Anyway, good luck with the music and the future . If you can be a mum and still do what you are, stronger than you think ❤
To me listening to Ren is now easy, fun and amazing. I expect nothing and I make sure I'm strapped in! Because it will be a rollercoaster and I will most probably cry, again! I must say after around 500+ reactions I stopped crying but you got me going again!!! ❤❤ I hope you ok? If you ever want to talk to someone, I'm here!!! Just know you are not alone and its ok not to be ok, own that and continue on your life journey as best as you can...
I'm late to this one but great reaction. Ren is addicting because he makes that emotion you don't want to let go, just out and you really just have to face it in that moment. And that feeling is amazing. Never apologize.
I think you caught the premise of the song quite well. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself with us. I have similar thoughts and sleep issues. We can do this. We can make decisions, and we CAN weigh the risks and consequences to our livelihood. We need to take each step individually, and at each step we can make a decision on which direction our next step takes us. Even if it is backwards, that is progression and healthy. I wish I could take my own advice.
Thank you for continuing to react and support my favourite artist ever love your reactions ❤❤
LOL "I did not plan on crying". Have you heard Ren before? Check out "Power" or "What You Want" for a pick me up.
I'm so excited that I'm going to see Chinchilla live in L.A. tonight with my teenagers.
Lucky you. Have a great time, make wonderful memories with your teenagers ❤
Your beautiful tears are both reciprocated and appreciated !
Ren did a really good job in “ Bitter Sweet Symphony “ - there’s a happy song for you 😊😊
*Bitter* sweet though, it's in the name 😂
Chaulk Outlines is about him being diagnosed with things he didn’t have for years he spent si much time in hospital, rehab, mental hospitals, so they put him on so many different medications you feel like your high 24/7 and dead and when you die from drugs whether it’s prescribed of not they draw a Chaulk outlines of you in the ground dead. Also the white outfits are what they make you wear in rehab or mental hospitals, so it’s just another detail in this song
His friend Samuel Perry Falvey is a cinematographer. Hes made most of Ren's videos, though his friend Joe Flacker also films for him.
He puts our thoughts in to words we relate to ✌️❤️🏴.
Thank you for the honest review and reflection. Yes life can be soo difficult to navigate.
The sound of the chair snapping open at the beginning is an easter egg. "Cherophobia" is when a person has an irrational aversion to being happy.
A wonderful and insightful review. I hope for the best for you.
Can do anything and get it done TODAY! I can sooooo relate. I may have mentioned, for the only time previously on your other vid. I had a bad manic period that ended in a nervous breakdown, phycotic break, and institutionalization. Along with much worse happening because of being given LITHIUM. Sorry, just in one of those moods today. Just pointing out that I really do get where you are coming from... 😢❤
Ren is a Master at writing lyrics that lend themselves to multiple interpretations, I "Think" Chalk Outlines means the Mental Haze that many of the Drugs used for Mental Adjustments can Impart, It can also mean Feeling you have "Lost" the Center of Yourself leaving just a "Chalk" Outline, but could also mean the Fear of ending as a "Chalk Outline" in the Traditional Meaning after Everything Ends.
Really enjoyed your reaction here. Genuine heart felt emotion for a truly amazing song. Thank you.
P.s had a listen to your back catalog and you have an amazing voice. Write a song that mixes the emotions you showed today with that voice of yours and you’d leave me in tears!
Haha thank you and thanks so much for listening 🫶🏽
Ren Troubles he tells you a lot of his life story. Lyrics of hardship and hope. Really puts you in his shoes with what he has dealt with.
sweetie your going to be the next big thing. you have a beautiful soul.
Love ur reaction to this. Thanx for being open with ur struggles. That's shit is hard. Definitely subbed after this
The RENegades are as diverse as Ren's art.
As you know Ren's one take live performances are thought out and orchestrated.
Ren talks about Chinchilla as his creative sibling.
I personally think the chalk outline is a muted version of one's self (me but a more palatable and controlled me) the line "it's such a perfect day take it just incase" hit's me knowing that feeling.
You are one of us RENegades, we find each other because of how his art affects us and it makes us want to talk and comfort each other.
His music, art, poetry, storytelling and cinematic master pieces are perfectly imperfect just like us.
But the fact that his art makes us want to talk honestly as well as bringing a hugely diverse group of people together is what amazes me.
Great reaction 👏 and I look forward to seeing previous and future reactions.
Another brilliant reaction video.
Great music is music 🎶 peace and love to our brothers & sisters across the pond ✌️
I really feel for you with your struggles. Sadly my other half unexpectedly developed bipolar disorder and over a period of three years suffered four episodes of mania requiring her being confined in a secure facility during treatment. While she is a beautiful person it took a huge toll on us both. Myself, not knowing how to cope with the trauma of watching what I describe as a train wreck happening before my eyes, leaving me now with PTSD. It is why I relate to Ren's work particularly with his struggle with certain medications. I still tear up every time I watch chalk outlines as I see my wife's struggles in their struggles. Sadly our marriage has not survived the journey but we remain friends. Kia kaha (stay strong) from NZ.
Thank you for your genuine heartfelt reaction. “Chalk Outlines” touches me deeply no matter how many times I watch this video or hear this song. 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.
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 rawer, 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.
Someone (Obj Owl @JoesTheBestInTheWorl) shared his interpretation, I think fittingly so, “The sound of the folding chair opening up fills the empty space with echoes emanating from the walls and then diminishes. Ren uses this to compose the song, with Chalk Outlines representing the empty space that he feels within. Chinchilla, who also emerges from the walls and echos Ren throughout and suitably for an echo, has the last word, leaving a dark empty space. It's dark on the gallows.”
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). Even on a relatively good day when you might not want to take your pills, you take them “just in case,” and you never truly enjoy “being ok because all things change,” i.e., your well-being is usually short-lived and followed by another bout with depression. In her opening line, Chinchilla even mentions the antidepressant (SSRI) “Sertraline” and references serotonin.
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; they left me an emotional zombie, while the benefits were negligible. I lost all capacity to feel love, compassion, or empathy while feelings of anger, and rage remained and were potentiated and frequently dominated my psyche. I am still struggling daily, but I rather feel pain than nothing at all.
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, performing “Sexual Healing” (Marvin Gaye cover) and “One Dance / Drunk in love” (Drake/Beyoncé cover). The latter two are of a much more joyful nature. As for “Chalk Outlines,” it is one of my favorite songs right now; it is beautiful yet sad.
Looking forward to more Ren reactions from you. God bless.
So much love 🥰
Welcome to the world of Ren 🤘🥰
Sending you a virtual hug 🫂
Know what you mean. It is like a rollercoaster and sometimes you fly high, but the higher you get, the deeper is the fall. And sometimes it´s hard when the down phase is so long, that you wonder if it is going up again.
Shari, you hang in there as well. It does get better over time. You learn to recognize triggers and how to avoid them. You learn to trust yourself more and grow comfortable with the oscillations (part of the dance from "Hi Ren"). And it helps that as you get older the swings tend to become smaller.
Lifing is hard....mic drop! I love your vulnerability and we can relate to exactly what you mean. Its that pendulum from dark to light. It never rests and it goes on whether we want it to or not. The mania is so tough. I pray for your healing on-going!
I think that's exactly what chalk outlines means.. We're walking sometimes just empty inside. Like a dead body that's been chalk outlined
Chincilla has that deep soulful sound, similar to Joss Stone and Alison Moyet. They blend so well together too.
I felt this with you so much. I cried with you.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Your Spot on Girl. Great reaction
bipolar II here, 8 years diagnosed. mostly ok, but sometimes manic, and luckily for me thats directed into positive, constructive activities. i'm actually a little down now going through a med change. i think there's no end game. life with BP is just going to be constant management, constant vigilance. that was the biggest lesson ive learned so far - when i start to feel weird, call my doctor. check meds, sleep, exercise, diet, anything positive i can control. why not just take the meds? i cannot imagine not taking them and feeling if not "normal" then mostly centered.
EDIT: you could have ended the reaction sooner. it was brave of you to leave your honesty out there. that was fucking brave.
You generally find that when a male and female duet the female's voice is usually more powerful than the male vocalist.
Whenever Ren and Chinchilla duet they compliment each other so well... One isn't stronger than the other... They're spot on!!! ❤️🏴🏴🇬🇧
Shari
❤ from Australia
Don’t apologise for crying
I’m crying right now
🙏respect sister…. Respect
Thank you, It was a very moving reaction.
I understand what you were saying. I work at home and barely leave the house unless it’s to do work outside or for the dog. One piece of advice I’ve gotten is to give yourself some time during the day to just take a walk
I've seen quite a few different meanings of 'Chalk outlines' and they made sense to me. Yours is no different. To me it's feeling 'dead inside' and just going through the motions. This is the beauty of Rens lyrics, something for everyone 8)
Great reaction ❤