Psychotherapist Analyzes The Tale of Jenny and Screech (Trilogy) - Ren
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- #reactionvideo #mentaltherapy #jimmorris #renmakesmusic #musicheals #domesticviolenceprevention
Welcome #renegades
Join me, Jim Morris, a licensed psychotherapist, as I analyze Ren's song "Jenny and Screech." This includes all three installments of this tragic tale. I'll break down the psychological meaning of the songs and explain the symbolism used throughout. I'll also share some strategies on how to reduce abuse and promote healing.
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Thanks
Thank you for your support! ❤️🙏
When you realise at the end that Jenny was only 14 walking the streets in high heel shoes, with rosy on her cheeks....the tale becomes deeper and deeper as you go, and yes, it's probably one of the best portrayal of intergenerational abuse. And thank you for your words and recommendations
That's why she wanted to escape. Can't blame her.
Also Patrick being absent in the middle of the night and Screeches girlfriend being "busy" at the same time.
...wanted to escape.
The reactions of violet and Jenny are the same, as is the behaviour of Screech and Steve.
The insight in the line - why do you make me do this - abusers blame victims.
Love your reaction.
Thanks for your comment! Shine on!
What is striking to me is that the only time Violet speaks is when she begs for her child's life
She was being silent to save her life and her unborn child's life. Sometimes playing dead is the only way.
From my own experience I can say that’s a pretty accurate response.
This was the thing that hit me the hardest when I first heard the song and I rarely see anyone else mention it.
I'm a very introverted person but I've had to change for the sake of my kids. We have to speak up for them ❤
@@Monica-sw9ld love how you try to infer your ideology of the story on every comment u write here 😊
@@ZeroTwo-lw4guIt's not ideology, it's experience. Decades of experience. Mine and lots of other women I love.
sirens sound like banshees in the night...
the banshee, according to folklore, announces the imminent death of a family member of those who can hear her scream.
Sirens sounding like a banshee in the night, "the shrill cry of justice cutting like the sharpest knife" I have yet to see anyone mention the correlation between Screech committing murder with a knife and the sirens that herald the approach of his own demise... 🤔
@@Sunshiningme-jj9of well... If the banshee announces the death of a relative, she's a bit late in the timeline, since Jenny is already dead, but perfectly on cue if she's meant to announce the plot twist to us, rather than to Screech
@@dehro You're referring to the Call of the Siren. I'm referring to the police sirens that Screech turns to face along with the flashing blue lights. I'm being a bit more literal with my personal interpretation. It's really the phrase "cutting like the sharpest knife" that I'm trying to draw attention to. Ren even emphasizes this when he writes next "one hand upon his blade, he turns to face the blue lights". Knife, blade. As if Screech in his desperation considered himself equal to the fight being thus armed. Both parties using knives. And that pretty much works with either"siren" definition, I think. 😃💜😁
Recall there were sirens referenced just before Jenny and Screech meet in her song.
This has become my favourite reaction to this trilogy. No one has connected the descent of the stairs in Screech with his fall at the end. Well spotted.
Very nice to hear! Shine on!
"Do you think I want to do this, Violet?"
Typical behaviour from abusers. Blame the victim. "Look what you made me do".
I get frustrated and angry every time I hear that line. Because it’s so common.
Thanks for the reaction.
It's so common it's even got a name. It's called gaslighting.
just a characteristic of manipulators in general even if its not in a violent way. can just be by guilt tripping.
My first real kinda living out of home boyfriend was when I had just turned 19. Had life gone to plan I would have never met him. Anyhow I did. And he was horrible. Took me so long to leave, thank all things that we never had kids, but he used to come in at all hours & lift up my eyelids. Like he controlled my sleep, if he wanted to talk to me when I was in the shower or on the toilet he would just follow me everywhere. It's just hit 15 years free of him but I'll never be ok. I had to go into hiding basically cos he was terrifying & knew people who could track me down etc.
He grew up in a very violent & multigenerational dysfunctional family but that doesn't give him permission to be a violent jerk. "Why do you like to make me angry" while being dragged through the house by my hair at 2am vibes.
For me it was a long term friend. Friends since we were 12 (we had a secret language and everything lol) until I finally couldn't take it and cut her off in 2016. Then we made up, and I had to cut her off again in 2021. And then again this year haha. I always tear up at the "Do you think I want to do this" part because it is so. god damn. accurate.
I 100% agree OP, do you mind me asking why you chose a unicursal hexagram as your pfp? General curiosity.
One thing to note is the police officer is also a victim and a survivor to a large extent. Not a main part of the story but his
story in a lot of ways is just as important.
Search "Richard's tale" on TH-cam... It's written by a US poet and it's effectively the story of what happens to the police officer after he shoots Screech.
It's very harrowing and eye opening.
@@BenBallard13Oooh thank you for sharing!
@@LunaScorpius you're very welcome 😁
Where I live, if you ask for Dr. Violet at a hospital, it's a coded wording for "I'm being abused, I need help"
Wow. That's really interesting. I must find out if our hospital has a similar Dr code word.
Peace
This needs to be shared by everyone!!! 💖
Curious, where do you live? I live in PA and I've never heard of a code like that - something that needs to be implemented everywhere.
@@aliciad8553 I live in Austria
We need this in Denmark too ❤
The line of: "do you think I want to do this?" My father used to, literally, beat the crap out of my mother, sister and me. He would always say that phrase and "why do YOU make me do this?" As if all the blame for our bloody beatings was with us, not him. His father also beat him, btw. He hated his father and then, ironically, became the same as him.
I was lucky. I was a very angry young man, but had the example of my mother's father for how a man should behave. He was calm, intelligent, rarely angry and certainly never would beat us. Those grandparents were married 64 1/2 years and still were very much in love, even at the end. I think that stable example and their love saved us.
Thank you for sharing this. Really glad to hear your grandparents provided a good example. Your story demonstrates that it is possible to break the cycle. 🎵🙏❤️
I have never heard those words from anyone before. In fact the first time I know blame can be shifted to the victim is from the internet.
Everything Ren does is intentional. The words he chooses, the notes he plays, absolutely everything is very intentional to drive home an emotion through his music.
Agreed! For instance, in his battle rap response "Dumb King Come" to King Dottas "Kingdom Come," he's wearing a shirt that says Tokyo on it. One word for love in Japanese is "ren." If you've seen that video, you'll understand. ❤
O heck yeah I agree with you 1000%
"Violet was a silent girl, grew up with violent starts......"
Ren already added the N.
Great reaction and thanks for not being long winded during your pauses. Cheers.
Damn it, I've never realized that. Thanks for that. 👍❤
He even added a T, which makes it even better (can't find a right word for it): "grew up with violeNt starTs...".
Sure thing. Thanks for not leaving a long winded comment.
@@Dr.Brummelin the beginning i actually thought he said violet stars instead before i realized
I sometimes wish that I didn’t find Jenny and Screech so easy to understand.
"It's such a shame" feels like the blanket response whenever a lot of people hear about something tragic. But generally, the lack of sympathy is so thick that it's disgusting.
Ren has a way of reaching every single listener in some way. I've watched hundreds of reactions to his music, and I've never once seen someone left unaffected. He is pure talent and the hope and beauty in this world that we so desperately need.
IIRC Jenny's tale was written after reading that quote about a minor stabbing a prostitute. "Such a shame" is that quote, and it bothered him so much he made this.
Most of us take our bodily autonomy for granted. That's what makes it so chilling when Stevie, "pinches her eyelids and folds them up." Violet has no agency of her own.
Did anyone else notice how Ren's voice sounds just like a wailing infant at the beginning of Screech's Tale, when he yells, "Dear Screech, dear boy, where did he go?" To me this emphasizes how, despite all his bluff and bluster, Screech is really just a scared little boy inside.
I don’t recall a SINGLE time I have listened to Violet’s Tale without crying
I grew up on council estates (Projects) in North London in the 80's. I knew boys like Screech, Just consumed with anger and desperation, colloquially know as a wrong 'un. This work of art really holds such a deep place in my heart. It Transends music. No one, I'll say that again, No one, is making art like REN. He is a once in a lifetime talent. Great reaction and analysis. Thanks.
so right
Ren's genius is so profound. He referenced an old children's rhyme but allowed you to finish it in your head in addition to that what his lyrics went on to say. "Knick Knack Paddy Whack...." Allowing our brains to finish the line "Give a dog a bone" which speaks very clearly to the focus Stevie had on his path of abusive behavior. Stevie was a dog with a bone. Which was a line Ren never even said, he allowed our brains to finish it. He is clever enough, I'm sure it was intentional on his part. So his lyrics he says are powerful and poignant as well as the lyrics he DIDN'T say. Impressive.
The amount of people who relate to the Tale of Jenny and Screech is heartbreaking. Really, really, heartbreaking.
The number of times that you had the Ending figured out without even realizing. Such a powerful and heartbreaking story. Trauma is truly generational and the cycle of abuse is truly endless. Great reaction!
Thanks for the positive vibes!
Wow, this was not only a reaction video, it was 37 min of therapy that could help a lot of us.
Please share more of your knowledge.
...wish i had a parent like you...
So glad it helped! Shine on!
Yeah, I knew I needed to subscribe when we got to Violet.
"I wish I had a parent like you." It may sound weird, but I'm 45 and had exactly the same thought.
I've lost count of how many reactions I've watched of this masterpiece . This is the best yet.
Agreed !
I’m constantly in survival mode. I know my traumatic childhood has prevented me from so many good things. I have broken the cycle but I still struggle to remove the walls I’ve built and to show affection among other things. I’ve recently requested my social services records (CPS) and I visited a foster family I was with when I was younger to thank them. I’m trying to heal but I am low income and no support network. I’m going it to be better for my children. It’s so hard. But Ren is amazing and I really connect with his music.
Thank you for your insight, it’s great hearing from a professional and from someone who respects and appreciates Ren.
❤
💖.... very well done breaking that for your children. I did the same from an abusive mother but I found and met a sweet and caring man to help me break it. Married 35 yrs come Aug. and grandmother...two twin baby girls and a little boy. 😊
@@kellyt5341 wow 35 years, congratulations. Unfortunately I am in a loveless marriage I fear. We’re more like roommates than anything. He doesn’t get why I am like I am, what with coming from a very stable and loving/financially stable home. I’m sure I have had a part to play in it, what with struggling to show affection. But alas I have no true friends in a deep level, a husband I will just agree with because I hate confrontation and don’t want to leave to cause a broken home like I had. My kids are my world though.
You are a resilient warrior! Keep going! Thanks for being here!
You broke the cycle. That is removing a huge wall. Congratulate yourself for that as you continue your journey!
Ren is one of the most important music artist of our time. His performance here is Epic. Great reaction!
I dove deep into comments of reactors and found several "easter eggs"
1. Jenny was a prostitute since she was walking the same streets deep at night in high heel shoes tired.
2. Screech's girl was cheating on him with his bestfriend (Patrick wasn't home, his girlfriend was busy and didn't want Screech to come to her).
3. The name Violet suggests a blending of 2 colors: red and blue - jenny as red "I'll slice the rosey off your cheeks" and screech as blue "He turned to face the blue lights" also as we know red is a warm colour, meaning Jenny was calm, taking the character from her mother - Violet and Screech was Blue - cold, agressive, character which he took from his father, depicting the color scheme of the situation.
4. The stairway when he was saying "he paints her black and blue and dark/she never stood a chance" shows a continuous rise, circularity, no corners - a situation without escape.
I hope I gave you even more goosebumps now that you know EVERYTHING hidden in this song, If i find something else, I'll update
Yes. Psychotherapist also, here from Tasmania. Thank you Jim for unpacking this so clearly, and ending your reaction on a theme of hope and avenues for change. So important. Ren is not only a very talented genre-hopping (I'd say genre-busting!) Modern Bard, but also a powerful Social Commentator as well. He spotlights the social ills that most prefer to look away from. He brings us right into the frame to 'stand witness'. Forces us to care. He lays out the pathways that lead innocent's like Violet, Jenny, and "poor boy" Screech also into becoming victims and /or perpetrators. [* He does the same in his Vid "Murderer" too BTW - have a look at that! ] By doing so he leaves the question hanging, unspoken- but loud. "If we know how these things happen- and we do - then why aren't we doing more to intervene? To prevent?"
Ren has said he was struck by a news report of an underage prostitute { 'Jenny', also 14, out late and working the streets in make up and high heels...} killed by a young gang member, who was then killed himself. He was dismayed at how rapidly the story faded from the 24 hour news cycle - as if these lives didn't matter. News Readers murmuring meaningless platitudes like; What a shame', and then the inexorable 20 second sound bite flicks away to the next thing. This was his prompt to create The Tales. Violet's story evolved later, and what a twist in the tail/ tale! Fictional and yet, could so easily, may have, maybe has, happened. A couple of kids, separated at birth, funnelled into the hugely underfunded and inadequate state / foster care system. Falling out of this into the streets - attempting to survive any which way... Encountering each other unknowingly.
The Bard's role has ever been to hold up a mirror to society. Shakespeare returned? I don't know what I believe about reincarnation, but I do believe Shakespeare would have been proud of Ren.
Many thanks for your helpful and supportive comment. Glad you’re here! 🙏🤟
This is the BEST breakdown of this song that I've seen....and I've seen a loooottttt ....❤❤❤
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 🙏
You are the first person I've seen that caught the entirety of story and its implications in their first viewing. For instance, most people will have to listen twice to think of certain things like how screech and Jenny's interaction was exactly what it was because of the default responses they got from their parents, Jenny was quiet like violet and froze when met by screech, a violent boy who felt the full frustration of her being silent, just like his father. Odd satisfaction seeing someone not miss what was there to be seen the first time through 👍
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
Totally agree.
Yes! First time I've seen a reaction catch that part, and I've watched a ton of reactions to this.
I was sexually abused by my stepdad for 8 years. In my home in the middle of the night. Many many nights. I didn't say anything. Not until I was 17 and a younger cousin spoke up about his own abuse in a family meeting. Being quiet happens for many reasons. Mine was guilt and shame. Which I believe are likely the most common reasons. Also I had younger brothers and in my young mind I didn't want them to have no father like me. Ren is brilliant at connecting with people on a very real level. Particular lines that resonate with me in this song are "in character she stays silent" and "I'll spare you from the things he did I'm sure her mother knew". As I've gotten older I've often wondered how my mom wouldn't have known something was happening. Thank you for reacting to this and helping to put this out in the world and help people to heal.
Your courage is inspiring. It took guts to share this. Thank you
for encouraging others to speak up and endure! Shine on!
The old way of dealing with female trauma was tranquilizers. So we stayed. LONG long after we should have left. It didn't help, it kept us in relationships we should have been traumatized enough to LEAVE. THERAPY helped. Guided self exploration. Six months of therapy helped more than any pill. Do the WORK. I froze. I was trained to. You immediately submit to male anger. "Anything you do will make it worse....." my mother cautioned. "All men are like this..." No, Nope. It is NOT NORMAL. The WORST advice ever, but it was all she had. Mom taught me my father's behavior was "normal" so I had no greater expectations. Well, I found them, of course....now divorced. NO. There has to be accountability. Men are NOT all huge, violent, temperamental toddlers. They do not all look at a woman as their accessory or possession, which they can keep, or discard, or break on a whim. It's sociological; it's been tolerated for far too long. Let's get our perspective out of the middle ages. Thanks for doing this reaction. Ren Gill was ESSENTIAL for my seeking help.
From someone who runs men's behavioural change programs, thank you for your insight.
It's not all men, but it is all men who don't challenge a friend/co worker when they make a joke or put women down - we need a change in male culture and it's hard for men. They now need to think about whet they say and have adult feelings and be accountable.. (yes, I'm a bloke and I don't hate men, just the stupid culture that allows this to happen)
@@goaty1964 Yes. Individually...I love men. As a group? We need some sociological changes, agreed. I know some wonderful men as friends. Sex, for some reason, makes it go SOUTH.
Honestly, I always find myself scoffing at doctors/therapists/etc analyzing Ren’s music… simply because I PERSONALLY (I certainly cannot speak for Ren or anyone else) would likely not respond well to it if I had been put thru what Ren has been put thru by the medical and psychological “experts”. My “default emotion”, as you said, to that would be a giant middle finger and a “you DONT know me”.
HOWEVER, I very much enjoyed your reaction. I find you to be very caring and genuine. And intuitive. Thanks for that.
I haven’t been excited by an Artist in a long time. Too long. Nobody has risen to fill the void in music left behind by the greats. But Ren is up at the plate. He has SHAKESPEAREAN levels of potential to stand among the best there’s ever been. An incredibly rare and special individual. Truly astonishing young man. Stunning.
Thanks for the heartfelt reaction. ☮️♥️
I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you 🙏
The throwing of the headphones and the "no signal" sent me! We all knew it was coming, but your reaction was priceless. THAT SAID... I love that Ren isn't scared to talk about the hard things. His ability to spread awareness and start the "gross" conversations is epic. Thank you for this break down and conversation.
I've probably seen at least 50-75 reactors react to this. And your response to the end was one of the best.
Also a great message after.
I really appreciate you. Thanks for being here!
13:43 there's an implication here that Patrick wasn't home because he's sleeping with Screech's girl, and that's why she doesn't want Screech coming over. Basically Screech surrounded himself with people he shouldn't ever have trusted and that's partially why is life spiraled this badly. He never had a real support system in place.
REN’s dad was a psychotherapist and I believe his mom helped people with counseling through music. They did an amazing job with REN and his ability to understand and tune in to emotion.
Ren got the idea for Jenny tale from a news paper he read about a 14 year old boy that kill a streetwalker with a Knife
Yes, and in the news article the cop who shot screech was quoted as saying "...it's such a shame..."
Love your breakdown on this x I was a ‘ violet ‘ and have never had help or therapy … it’s affected my whole life and I wish I and others could have met the person I should have become x
Thanks for being part of this awesome community!
I hope you'll get to meet the person you still will become -- and I'm guessing the person you have become is pretty cool, too.
You have got a new subscriber from Germany....You summarized my thoughts on this trilogy on Jenny, Screetch and Violet in a precise manner....I am a clinical psychologist myself , and I loved how you combine your psychological knowledge with your music background and additionally the same admiration that I am feeling towards Rens Art....Thank you...
@@yvonnesokoll8790Welcome! Glad you’re here.
'Violet was a silent child'...yes, she's been taught to stay silent. A form of attempting to surviving.
Ren is a modern bard. Sings, plays and tells a story.
The cycle of violence cannot be described better; I agree 100x100. I have seen several reactions to this trilogy and for me, yours is undoubtedly the most intelligent.
To contribute something to what was said; the similarity in character of Jenny and Violet... and of Screech with Stevie.
The life of the twins beginning and ending side by side...Ren suggests the configuration of the characters with very precise brushstrokes.
It also takes advantage of the echoes of the rooms and all the tools at its disposal to support the narrative.
He is undoubtedly a genius.
A pleasure, as always, to hear your opinions with a lot of weight, undoubtedly the result of your knowledge and experience.
Thank you!
I really appreciate your kind words! Thank you! 🙏 😎🤟🎵
You are so right about how he paints a visual… when he’s playing Stevie yelling at Violet after he has beaten her… it’s like you can almost see her huddling on the ground, silent, cowering…it’s so visceral!
When you realise screech unknowingly killed his twin, and then dies himself without ever being able to connect with her and share the struggle is really devastating
What an intelligent reaction to this trilogy by Ren. I think you nailed this one on all levels.
Appreciate you!
Someone commented elsewhere, that with the current housing shortage, the only way Violet would have likely secured housing at her age would be because she was already pregnant.
This would reinforce why Stevie called her a liar and slut. If he knows that he isn't the father, he would assume she cheated on him, since Violet would have stayed silent about what her father did. 😰
That adds a whole other layer to the cycle of abuse that really adds everything up.. thanks for the insight!
This has been the best reaction of the Tale’s that I’ve seen. You pointed out something I missed, the actual physical descending of Screech. I also appreciated your genuine anger at Violet’s father, mother, and Stevie. That part of the story deserves more than the little wince that it most often gets.
Felt sick first time I watched and took me a second try to get through it. Too close to home
Yeah. No matter how many times I watch, I tear up for Violet every time.
I really appreciate you. Shine on!
Amazing isn't he. REN is pure genius.
This is perhaps the most impressive reaction I have watched to this song. You caught so many nuances I would never have thought about (Ren descending the stairs; Violet vs Violent). Your raw reaction shows your heart's sincerity. You just won a subscriber.
I appreciate your kind words! Glad you’re here. 🙏
Really interesting insight during Jenny’s Tale. I’ts always bothered me that Jenny was so little portrayed in her own story, and when you talked about her being in the periphery of her own life because she was conditioned to not be important was really interesting and enlightening. Astute breakdown!!! Easily my new favorite for this trilogy.
Great to hear! Thanks 🙏
The fact that he rewinds with the guitar is such a subtle but impactful thing. A lot of people catch it but they over look when he fast forwards with it later on as well. Also this is the first reaction that I’ve seen where someone has connected the generational trauma and abuse cycle. This was such a great reaction. I’ll be honest I cried when I first heard this song..
Well that was an inspired nugget: "we have things on our life that are instruments that we can use in ways we haven't discovered yet"
Thank you, Mr. Morris. I am a 68 year old grandfather that has been following Ren and reaction videos for about a year now. There are two or three reactors that I listen to over and over, your's is now at the top of that list.
That is awesome! Thank you! 🙏
This song awoke something in me recently. Im a violet, physically and mentally abused by my father and for yrs logically i knew it was because he was abused but in knowing that i had disconnected my emotions. Diagnosed cptsd , now i feel like i have an opened box that i dont know what to do with.
Ren has shone a light on all the violets. Thank you Ren ❤❤❤
Have a little empathy for Violets mother. Yes, she didn't say anything , so she is culpable, but I am sure her husband was abusive to her long before he started on his daughter. She took refuge in alcohol and probably had the same character as her daughter and grand-daughter ie silent to abuse.
The twins would have been taken into the care system which failed them, and alongside their genetics was a lethal combination. Speech thought Jenny was a lady, not a fourteen year old girl, because she had makeup ( rosy cheeks) and high heels etc. At 14 she had walked the floor 1000 times dressed like that so it is probable but not stated, that she was involved in prostitution from a very young age, which is very commonly the fate of girls in care in the UK. Such a sad story ,but so realistic.
Thanks for a great reaction
Exactly, and probably part of this family's story for generations past.
Same for the father. The chance he was also abused as a child is likely (given the statistics)
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I’m glad you brought this up. It’s certainly a multifaceted issue, and it’s important to differentiate between empathy and endorsement. Empathy: yes. Endorsement: no.
Thanks for spreading the healing power of music!
@gember1382 I will not empathize with angove committing SA because they, too, experienced it. Never. Specially a parent.
My favorite thing you said was "I don't know if Ren did it intentionally or not..." Ren does not take a breath in a video that isn't intentional. He is meticulous. The play on words of "violet" and "violence" comes up in a later Ren rap battle with King Dotta, which is totally worth your watch as it once and for all settles the question of who Ren is and why he is on this earth. (Sorry for the hyperbole; Ren inspires that in his fans!) Anyway, welcome to Ren's world. It is so rich psychologically -- not only his music but his life story, which continues to this day as he is literally right now starting a new chapter. Enjoy the rabbit hole. (And watch your subscription count sky rocket, as I'm sure it already has.) Great video -- thank you! I've subscribed.
Only going to add that the Trilogy is on Ren's personal top 5..and ad a former therapist myself, ti note that the progression of violence goes the other way as well . Imagine the growing up of Violet's parents and grandparents as well. All of the issues so entertained with culture and ownership of family members. Even without such blatant abuse, everyone is victim to the culture of violence.
Great analysis!❤
I've been so looking forward to reacting to this one. You did not disappoint. You should know, you might actually be the only reactor I have seen who has ever noticed the similarities between Violet and Jenny, and Stevie and Screech - before discovering the twist at the end. Now while none of us know what Ren's intentions were when he was crafting these stories, so whether this is intentional or not - is unknown, but you should be aware that in the UK the only way Violet got a council house at 16, when we have such a massive shortage of social housing, would be if she was ALREADY pregnant when she left home. Which means she would have been pregnant when she met Stevie already. This of course would mean the most likely father of Jenny and Screech would be Violet's own father, rather than is being Stevie - which might perhaps explain why Stevie was calling Violet a "little liar". I'm not sure how I feel about about Violet's mother being silent, and ignoring the abuse going on under her roof - but as a victim of child abuse, I would hypothesise that Violet's mother (as you point out with Violet herself) - very likely also was abused as a child, which is why she is silent, just like Violet - and has likely developed the drinking problem, as a way to not deal with the world. I don't excuse Violet's parents behaviour - just like I don't excuse my own biological parents behaviour. I simply try to understand what led them to here. One thing Ren HAS been very vocal about however, which I feel many reactors do miss - is that Screech in this story, is just as much a victim, as Jenny is. Now that you know a bit more Jenny's backstory via Violets tale - you now realise how old Jenny is, and that she is walking the streets in high heeled shoes with rouge on her cheeks "I swear to god I'll slice the rosy off your cheeks" - so we can have a guess that Jenny who has "walked these streets a thousand times before" - is also not in a good place in her life. Both Jenny and Screech have clearly been badly let down by the social care system, they have likely fallen through the cracks, and have been forgotten about, left to fend for themselves in whatever way they can. If Screech at 14, is involved with essentially gangs, and drugs - it's a pretty good guess - that he also is no longer in a foster home. One of the things I like about this trilogy - is that it can teach of the viewer, to consider other viewpoints than the main narrative - which we should all be doing a lot more of. Take a nature documentary as an example. We are shown a lioness with her cubs, she needs to kill to feed her cubs, so we cheer as she chases the antelope, and kills it, because her cubs will eat today. But there is of course another side to the story, if the story was being told was that the antelope was out getting food for it's own offspring, and they would die if the lioness killed the antelope, then we would be cheering if the antelope escaped from the lioness, even though that would mean the lionesses' cubs would not eat. We need to be taught to observe all aspects of a situation, rather than just being fed a narrative and following that. Thank you for a very informative reaction. Have a great day.
Well said @AndrewJonesMcGuire, it's easier said than done to break the cycle. We are all victims of victims to some extent or another. What's so great about Ren is that he is starting conversations about uncomfortable truths. He also makes the point repeatedly about holding the mirror up to ourselves rather than just blaming everyone else for society's ills.
One of the very best reactions I’ve seen to the masterpiece that is the tales and both your comments are the very best I’ve read in response. I speak from my own childhood DV experiences & how it shaped my psychology. At 53, looking back on my (and my 2 older sisters & our mum’s) “life of survival”, although we escaped many years ago, I can see very clearly how our relationships & coping mechanisms were all solidly moulded by our developed fight/flight/freeze surviving methods.
Understanding how, why & where these cycles of intergenerational trauma & violence “come from”, is a crucial step in breaking those cycles. Our Father was one of 11 siblings who grew up watching their own father abuse alcohol & their mother, of the 11, 6 were boys & they “all” grew up & repeated their Fathers cycle. Of the 5 girls, 2 broke the cycle & Married wonderful men, 2 fell victim to repeating the trauma like Violet and 1, true story, drove the get away car for a bank robbery committed by Chopper Read.
2 out of 11 managed to break the cycle 🥹
Watching it again knowing that she's also just a young teen makes you wonder what she does in high heels in the middle of the night out, exhausted and gripped by panic. It gives the story another layer. Definitely a dark one
Ren is an actual story telling genius. I heard these songs over and still cry
I see myself in Jenny and Violet. I’ve gone through so much abuse in my life, but I have managed to claw my way out of it. I have a great family now and I would never treat my kids the way I’ve been treated. I needed to hear your message and I thank you for it.
Wonderful to hear that you have a great family now. Your children are blessed to have a mother who loves them so much. Shine on! 🙏❤️
25:52 "The Devil comes to dance" never fails to give me chills. The way Ren delivers it with such a beautiful tone, and it being such a heavy line about evil coming, is poetic.
“So how do we stop intergenerational abuse”? Brilliant ending to your video. I hope Ren sees this…your response, I believe, is what Ren was hoping to inspire with this awful trilogy. It’s why Ren wrote these songs. To dig into the ugly and inspire change.
To me the most profound moment is at the beginning of Violet’s tale, after he finishes the intro and gathers himself…put’s on his Minstrel’s mask. This whole thing is hard truth, meant to make it hard to look away.
love seeing the addition of Ren's LP on your wall
The best reaction I've ever seen to the trilogy!! I knew Violet's Tale was going to be hard for you but thank you for doing them. This story sadly happens in the world and Ren is a genius to wave it in such a way that makes it relatable but does not romantize the abuse.
Very nice to hear that! Thanks for sharing your kind words! ❤️😎🎵🙏
Thanks for doing more Ren :)
2 more you WILL be highly requested to do are Su!cide and For Joe- so a heads up- For Joe is a reworking of Su!icide with some extra stuff - and came out a month or 2 after it.
Listening to it first will to a degree spoil the impact of Su!cide since it starts with the most impactful verses of it, but told in a less raw more song like manner - so I HIGHLY recommend that even if 'For Joe' gets more requests, you save it for for AFTER the origional version - su!cide.
Ren added an hopeful tone to for joe which i think is the impression he wanted to leave you with after seeing both, but dosnt make sense seeing first.
I would add freckled angel to the list which is the real beginning.
"...for the bitter hands of fate have something far more sinister in mind, that does await". Yeah... That blew me away the first time I heard this trilogy.
Well, I was going to go to sleep. I always have to hear the psychological side of this story. Thank you. Im obsessed with why humans do what we do. Im at Violets Tale with you. I can tell you will be like me and wake up for the next few days still wanting to find Stevie and have a "chat". Ugh, the way Ren paints a picture is a blessing and a curse.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Having a chat just brings you down to their level.
I am gutted.
My father came from this sort of story.
He ended the cycle but I still carry damage from his emotional damage. My first marriage was a testament to it. I got away and my children probably carry some of that but I have broken the cycle.
It is stopped.
I refuse to not be everything my children and their friends need.
Great to hear that you desire a better life for you and your family. Stay strong and shine on!
Lived it my whole life.
Got out, my two children live...
I lucked out. Yeah
I love the way Ren poetically bookends Screech's tale with "Our story it starts right at the end" (presumably the 'end' being the death of Jenny) and "Our story it ends right at the start" (with the death of Screech). Masterful lyricism.
I like to watch this video every once in a while to prove to myself that my childhood didn't destroy my ability to cry and to acknowledge that I broke the cycle with my kids.
In the top 3 of reactions of the 100+ I have watched, for the deep insight into the inter-generational abuse, actually probably top spot.
This is one of the best reactions I've seen to this trilogy.
To break down the character stories just from the music and your interpretation ❤ but also the reaction to the end
Appreciate you. 🙏🤟🤟🎵
Great reaction. I believe that the line, "go back to the beginning"...The 2 twins laying side by side are Jenny and Screech.
When I first saw these video’s months ago all I could do is just sit with my mouth hanging open for a bit.
Ren is an amazing musical artist, lyric genius, and a fabulous story teller with a message.
My older brother and I were the ones in my family that stopped the long cycle of abuse for our future generations
People that stay in abusive relations keep hearing that voice in their head that says "If I'm just good, they'll stop". They blame themselves for their situation. They also think it will get better. I say this from experience...It will not get better. If they know they can get away with abusing you, they will never stop. Life is too short to go through it terrified. Get out. It will be painful, but not as painful as a broken bone.
"It's such a shame.". When I first heard this trilogy, I read that Ren added that because it's what people always say when they read about tragedies in the paper. "what a shame" as they go on about their lives. It's the equivalent of giving a sad face on Facebook and scrolling on down.
And politicians always say, "Out thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims."
Shout out to Ren for acknowledging the stress witnesses of abuse also go through - the officer and the doctor. Third parties are often forgotten.
You're the first person reacting I've seen who's mentioned the parallels between the parents and the kids. Violet and Jenny freezing while Stevie and Screech are overly aggressive.
You’re my kind of person. Your empathy shines bright. 🙏 Your patients landed on their feet with you.
Very nice of you to say that. 🙏 Thank you for being here.
Enormously satisfying breakdown of a masterpiece. Concise, insightful, you did this song justice!
❤️🤟🎵🙏
I am (a very young) 60-year-old and you have just educated me about us all having a default mode...and that mine is also anger/rage, no doubt resulting from a rather brutal, fucked up childhood involving abuse, bullying, neglect, isolation, autism, ADHD & bipolar disorder. Fortunately, I never attacked people, just inanimate objects and myself with self-hatred & self-harm but now, thanks to you I know what I need to work on...and given I intend to make at least 120 years of age, it's certainly not too late to change. Thank you. PS. Music has always been my best friend, the thing that can fill me with happiness and shed tears of joy.
Thank you so much for this reaction which was so mesmerising from the beginning when you immediately began to talk about how a child's background can leave them stuck etc...and particularly interesting to me was a new concept to me which was to look at our default reaction in order to change patterns. I can and will relate that to myself and change a n unhealthy pattern or two! Even though the trilogy is difficult to watch, I have watched it a dozen times and I was dying of anticipation waiting for your reaction to the last verse / line and you didn't disappoint. You are always enjoyable to watch reacting to Ren's work and it is an education also. Gratitude to you and as always to Ren
Thanks for sharing your kind words and support! ❤️🎵🙏
Violet is also phonetically not far from violate, perhaps especially to our subconscious mind.
“When you don’t have good relationships in your life a part of you dies”. Perfectly put, lucky for me my kids came just in time and gave me a reason to at least try and resurrect the fun happy guy I used to be. Which has gone alright I guess for the most part, nobody’s perfect at the end of the day.
Tale of Screech was written and performed first after Ren saw a news article about a police officer shot and killed a young boy. The officer was quoted as saying "it's such a shame." Several months later he wrote and performed the Tale of Jenny. Lastly, many months later he wrote Violet's Tale. I think it was nearly 3 years to write and perform all of them. He is a pure artist. He is good at absolutely everything music related.
I've watched countless reactions to The Tales, and this is by far my favorite. You have such great insight and your reactions were so genuine. Thank you.
Thank you! 😊
As a victim of child physical and sexual rape by my father, also as a victim of sexual physical and mental abuse by my 1st husband, also am a victim of rape by 5 men hearing this video on Ren putting all together and you explaining it sure hit home for me really hard. I cried the whole entire video. Thank Ren and you sir for taking the time to breakdown all the abuse that many of us have gone or are going through. I love Ren because his music hits home his way different then all these rap singers that all they talk about is doing drugs, killing someone and raping women. He's music is true life, all his videos hit home for the most. part
I respect and admire your strength. You’re a warrior! Shine on!
Thank you for a compassionate, insightful, and educational reaction to this one. The way Ren tells each victim's story so viscerally with just himself and the guitar never ceases to amaze me.
Glad you enjoyed it! Shine on!
🤯 My Grandpa was an ass hole, my Dad was an asshole. I told myself that when I had kids I would give them what I craved. Love. Support, encouragement and and structure. Was I perfect? Hell no. Was I better than my Dad and Grandpa? 100% I never hit my kids, I did yell. But most of all, I taught them. I taught them that a man can make mistakes, and apologize and be better. I taught them that love can be unconditional. I did my best. God bless all those that are suffering. It's horrible. What a set of songs. Damn.
Ren sheds light into the darkness.
And we see WE ARE NOT ALONE
You are one of the very few who were able to connect so many dots in this trilogy. Well done!❤ Your reaction to the ending brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you so much!! More to come.🙏😎
This is the best reaction I've seen of this trilogy... Loved it
Thanks for your kind words! 🤟🙏🎵
This is one of the best reactions to this masterpiece that I have watched. Such a powerful story performed by an amazing storyteller. Tragic, touching and true. Really appreciated your analysis to this one. 💜💜
Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️😎🎵🙏
Great reaction. Ren's music is so healing. Sometimes we need to be challenged. He is a real gift to music. The most important artist we currently have.
I fell upon your channel today as a Ren fan.
This trilogy has haunted me since I first heard them. I am not ignorant to the fact that I was drawn to it because of my own generational abuse. For many years I have studied psychology in hopes of trying to find answers for myself, yet I never was quite in reach of those answers. I understand that those answers are likely out of reach for me but I appreciate the fact I was able to break the wheel for my own children. I'm rambling here and for that I apologise, I just wanted to say that listening to your breakdown of these songs helped me in ways I hadn't foreseen. I think I cried tonight watching this video more than I have in years..... and yes it's because Ren hits the nail on the head repeatedly. It's also because what you said, how you reacted allowed me a permission base to show/feel how truly affected I was (am) by my own circumstances.
Thank you.
Again I apologise for the long message but before I leave I'd like to say you have a new follower today. Much love from Ireland 🇮🇪 🥰
Thanks for the kind words! Really nice to hear about the progress you’ve made-it’s more than you realize. Shine on!
I was a Jenny for a very long time. Trapped in freeze, trapped in that cycle of abuse, wanting out. I've only been out of it for three months. I'm in therapy and I know I've got a long way still to go to healthy, but I believe in that future
Just a phenomenal job. I’ve probably watched about a hundred of these, but you did the best job by anyone applying the psychology aspect. Bravo.
Thanks for the supportive feedback. Glad you’re here.
The passion that is so clear in your voice, and in your face, speaks volumes. Thank you for helping fight these battles.
Ren is such a talent, such an ability to tell a story thru music. He makes us think.
I’ve watched probably a hundred of reactions to this trilogy and this one truly hit hardest and was so impressive
Many thanks! Shine on! ❤️🙏😎
This trilogy made all my hairs stand up and soo many feels , REN is a powerful artist ✨
And then you realise that Jenny was out on the streets at 14 as well and that she had been street walking already for years...