I hope that he reacts to your latest song. You are amazing and I love your voice and your work. I watched your interview and it was just lovely. I really feel like I got to know you in that interview and that's special. Many times interviewers do a horrible job and talk way too much. He is a great guy as well. Thank you for you work. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 ❤️
I don’t think this is about recreational drugs. It’s about his depression and anxiety and the way that makes you float around feeling suicidal, numb and a shell of yourself. Sertraline is a drug for anxiety and depression. Serotonin is what’s missing from your body when you feel depressed. I think the concept of the gallows is that he’s on the edge of allowing the darkness to take him. Constantly having to balance rather than having a firm footing. Not feeling grounded.
One more thing to add to the "Gallows" line: The very thing killing him is also the very thing keeping him alive. His life and death line (being the noose) is the vice. Either way the conclusion to it all is his demise.
I appreciate your breakdown. The lyrics floating chalk outlines felt to me as death. They are walking around like zombies as they feel they have already died. There are only chalk outlines that are placed on the ground, but they carry on daily with these curses of a living death. Just my thoughts. Love your work!
There is hope, though. Think of Hi Ren, where we meet 'the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope'. Thank you for your inspiring thoughts. I will watch this again. Can I just warn you that 'How to be me' hits even harder? Stunning, but it'll be one hell of a ride.
Good evening sir , thank you for another compelling breakdown. This might be a personal question, but why do you suppose Ren keeps making us cry, aside from the obvious reasons.
Ren is speaking to his experience with his illness and depression, coping...Chinchillas solo verse is his other voice telling him just to keep on keeping on, stick to the plan....them singing together is the reconciliation and acceptance in hope of getting better
There is something pretty incredible going with people in general, when it comes to Ren's music. Things are being spoken of that don't usually even get whispered. I've seen people relating tales of personal struggles and how they overcame them. I've seen people telling folks to get help if they need it. His music is connecting people on levels that are personal and unexpected ways. This was a great reaction and breakdown. I had heard that this was inspired by a couple of friends commiting suicide at 17. But, I'm not totally sure.
You're absolutely right, this dude is the antithesis of the shite we are all going through and have suffered in recent years and even more virulent. He's making me question my knuckle dragging mentality and lift my hands up to a better tomorrow. I suspect I'm alone with this thought with the few million other people who are reaching for the new light. Amazing talent.
The community he’s created with his honesty and transparency has encouraged reactors and commenters alike to reveal themselves and offer shared support. It’s really remarkable to see us rally round Ren in his treatment, the way he takes the time to spread love and encourage reaction instead of squelching it, and the healing his art inspires is just so remarkable.
Yes, people are talking to each other because of his music and that is dangerous to the mainstream. People are waking up and looking around to see where they are and asking how and why they got here.
His friend Joe Hughes jumped off a bridge and his body was never found. "Freckled Angels" and "I Forgot How to be Me" were about him. (probably others)
I 💯 agree...its a beautiful thing, people being authentic and without fear. It's truly magical...it doesn't matter who or where they are from, it's the universal language of love and respect between human beings. And holding space for the message to resonate. It makes my heart explode.
On the intro: Pych units I have been on would have former patient files archived in cellars. Staff would sometimes use the space for quiet moments, agerncy staff would use them to sleep. Things like guitars would be prohibited on the unit, ligature rules, same with clothing, but you might find things staff had left as the area is supposed to be locked and out of bounds to patients.
Truth. I can't even remember how long I've been on anti depressants but I remember asking my doctor one time if I could go off them and she asked me why I wanted to do that. Have tried going off them on my own but the withdrawals have kept me from this. How f****d up is that?
@@boho_hippychick I hear you loud and clear. Been on anti-depressants and other psychotropic meds since my late teens. Many different one ms thru the years. When I go off I end up in the hospital so I have resigned myself. We have to deal the best we can to keep showing up for life.
You're obviously a good man with a big brain.....but an even bigger heart. That's what Really matters. Blessings Bro thru a man called Ren. Who knew!??? 🎵🔥🙏
The guy is so talented. He can sing beautifully on this, rap his ass off with Genesis and the like, absolutely destroy the performance art genre with hi ren, go straight insane bardcore with the tale of Jenny and Screech, and plays the guitar like it's a physical expression of emotion. It's really a staggering list of musical abilities.
Some artists you hear, some you listen to and some you feel and live. Ren you feel and live! He is fast becoming one of the most important artists around. Let’s hope his illness doesn’t take him away from us!
I had an additional thought about the "erase ourselves in these chalk outlines" line. Throughout my life, I've encountered people who felt that these pharmaceutical drugs changed who they are. My mom had to get off one because it took away any feelings of attachment to her children. One artistic friend lost the ability to be inspired, so couldn't do their art. These are changes to the fundamental parts of you that make you who you are. So you're erasing yourself in a chalk outline, while continuing to exist.
We can all speculate. We are all free to interpret how we want. The beauty of Ren, I find for myself, is that he can be so direct, and so indirect that you can relate no matter what. He's telling his story, but it is everyone's story just the same. I think it was a great interpretation you put forth. Well done! Mine's a bit different, yet now, it's closer to yours. That's the beauty of the art. I teach English to relatively high level students in a foreign country. I've introduced them to Ren's trilogy, and when I asked them to find something powerful to present, they are at their best because they have thier artistic/real life experiences to draw upon.
True talent. Thank you for reacting! Edit: As someone who is on anti-depressants, sertraline, the one Chinchilla mentions in the song, I have to say that it really is bittersweet. My mind is calm, but the side effects are horrible. Headaches, high blood pressure, dry mouth, vomiting ect.... It basically cures my depressive tendencies and makes me more calm and rational and wildly almost completely erases my cptsd symptoms, but it does not come for free! It truly is a pick your poison situation. The line, "I'm scared of being okay, cause all things change" is also so true. You can be on your meds and feel okay, but for how long, and can you truly take in a good day, when knowing it might be the last good day you'll see in a while?
30+ years chronic autoimmune illnesses. Your breakdowns are brilliant. It's very dark kinda humor but after my blood work looked very questionable, I was sent to a hematologist. A very cool dr that advised I must add him to my " ists" ( rheumatologist, neurologist, pulmonologist, oncologists, pain specialist, etc...) he let me know all humans carry cancer genes, and basically, I have an amount equivalent to 30 cents of a dollar. That I must be checked a couple of times a year. His humor was someone who understood chronic illness and bedside manner . I was not surprised. Really, it's been something added continually year after year. He left me with "I've got good news and bad news, good news it's not cancer, but bad news is it's not cancer. The bleak realization I am to carry this until I die. It's part of my story
I really like your reactions, because you think about everything: music, experience, lyrics. You also can't and don't want to hide your human reaction and that's wonderful. It's wonderful to see a human being showing his deepest feelings awakened by "ordinary" music. Thank you for that.
Brilliant reaction and super-smart, thoughtful interpretation. My first instinct was that Ren was looking through medical records and clinical trial data and whatnot - simply because I know he has been searching for proper diagnosis and treatment for his various conditions for years. But it works for your extended storyboards too. The line about being scared to be OK (and even rhyming/contrasting it with such a perfect day!) is so thought-provoking and on the money. One more thought: the part where he sings "Oh my my, oh my my" feels like it's lifted straight from The Verve's Lucky Man which would fit perfectly with hiding behind a great big smile etc. (Ren actually dropped a Verve cover this week, so we know this was one of his musical worlds growing up) Anyway cheers!
Man, I just love you. Seriously. I said it before and I will say it again - I originaly started watching you because of Dimash, Aurora and couple of other artists, but no matter the type of artists, you never dissapoint with your honest and heartfelt reactions. ❤️
This is so powerful. Hearing so much of my life flowing out of someone else's mouth in the form of beautiful lyrics. Music has an amazing power of empathy
Thankyou. Would absolutely love you to watch The tale of Jenny and screech full version. It’s three parts that need to go together (Jenny’s tale, screech’s tale, and violets tale.) Ren has them out together as a single 13ish minute video. Well worth a watch.
Thank you for this reaction. I've been losing my mind over this song since it first happened to me. I'm obsessed with the intentional beauty of those harmonies. To me they represent what, in reality, is always the most destructive, entropic relationships but in their brief shining moments, the drawing out of each other, the being seen, the sick cold comfort of intimacy before it's burned off by the heat of such an unsustainable existence. The becoming like each other in order not to be alone and again, even within that there is no other possible outcome but destruction and erasure. It's such a potent shorthand, "chalk outline" and even before the physical death, the horror of being dead while you still draw breath. He's astounding and it does my heart so much good to see this music felt and respected so deeply.
You're this first reactor to get it right. "Walk around in these floating chalk outlines" & "feeling ghost in the chalk outlines"... feeling numb and paralyzed. "Draw ourself in the chalk outlines"...killing ourselves with bad happened and addictions, "balance on our toes", fighting fighting fighting. "Erase ourselves from the chalk outlines"... nothing left of who I used to be, I'm dead maybe even really dead. Chalk outlines have a very universal image around the world and that is the 'crime scene' visual. So great to see someone who really get it.
I think some of the reactors who pause the videos to often are having a hard time understanding why their emotions are going haywire. Pausing, for me, seems to take away the full impact of feeling the emotional journey Ren guides you through. ?? Maybe??
No studio, no expensive producer, no complement of filters and auto-tuners. Just two extremely talented artists using natural acoustics to send a message of stunning magnitude. The same as with the empty room for Hi Ren. When Ren first got ill with Lyme disease he was so sick he stayed in bed 23 hours a day. More pills, more pills. and more pills making him sicker. Hopefully, you have watched, Sick Boi... The drugs were not by choice.
Your analysis mirrors my own with the exception of your insight into why Chinchilla is essential to the song. ❤I instinctually knew she was essential to the core of the song but you articulated it so well and the underlying reason❤
Thank you so much for letting it play at the start, this song is best experienced uninteruppted due to the powerful buildup of emotion that it has. Most reactors would have worried about copyright but you rightfully just got swept up in the emotion and respected the art of it. Wonderful breakdown as well, you have gained a new sub :)
No disagreement with anything you said but can I add another layer (which may part of what you were thinking but I didn't pick up on). You appear to be consistantly returning to a line of thought that runs; recreational drug use > rehab > medication. Can I add a slightly more literal interpretation of your 2nd view of the chalk outline marked around a body at a crime scene. Lots of us new to Ren also now know that he had misdiagnosed Lyme disease. Thru that he will have been in constant/regular pain, he'll have been bedridden which will introduce feelings of isolation and it'd be a suprise if this didn't impact negatively on his mental health. As he was misdiagnosed, the drugs he was being given for the physical condition wouldn't have helped much, or at all, so his discomfort would have continued. He will also have been medicated for the effects of the mental 'wear & tear'. Can't speak for anywhere else but in the UK Dr's would likely prescribe an SSRI with a lower chance of side effects. If that doesn't work you'd go through a period of detox to clear the body before trying a different one. Rinse and repeat until you find something which offers some assistance (if you're lucky, along with some kind of therapist input/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). While going thru that cycle, likely repeatedly, he'd still be dealing with the pain & mental instability. And that'd be draining and would adversley impact on his general health even further (basically living life as depicted in "Hi Ren" 24/7). I don't think it's much of a stretch to assume that there could then be a temptation towards recreational drugs (self medicating). You may know that there's risk involved. Sure they're unregulated, they're not health supplements, there would be a risk they present on their own plus you wouldn't know how they would be interact with what you were being legally prescribed (cocktails are not always fun) ... but if what the Dr's were currently prescribing wasn't helping and there was a chance they might make the pain &/or 'the voices' stop, even if only briefly, surely desperation could lead you to consider the risk worthwhile ... essentially leading to you playing a leading role in creating your own crime scene with chalk lines around your body. And let's not exclude alcohol as a self-medication option. Guess lots of us have been prescribed something with an alcohol warning & decided internally that "well that's more of a guideline" or "well one or two won't hurt ... they just mean don't go to excess" Just a thought & sorry for the length ... not an easy subject matter to reduce to bullet points.
Wow. Thank you for your reaction. This is only the second one from you regarding Ren. He cuts to the chase. I have always considered myself totally in control of my destiny, thoughts and beliefs. However he is highlighting the knife edge that we all live upon. For some people the knife edge is broader. But there’s always an edge. His message is simple and also complicated. We are all multi layered. We have to find a way forward no matter how steep the hill is in front of us. To survive as a species and to embrace our existence as a tiny fraction of our planet. This is all we’ve got. Thank you again. X
So, I came here to watch this. I've never seen you before but you're my new favourite. It's almost like it's on purpose. He went to Canada and then blew up, he got out of here so he won't be hassled and let his music do the talking. There's always a conspiracy, ha ha ha.
we only had a brief hearing of Ren's singing voice in "Hi Ren".......in this performance we get the full 'Bardcore'........."Take this one, wash it down and you'll be fine" is what the doctors tell Ren......"There's a pill for everything".......what sarcasm and disgust!
A great reaction to a great artist. I think Ren resenates with so many people because the lyrics are written as his truth but in a way that is open to so many iterpetations. That is his brilliance in his storytelling just like Aurora does. My two favorite artists of all time. They are so true, emotional and raw. Not afrait to talk about darker areas of life but still with hope and empathy. People have mentioned that this story is probably personal Ren to the struggle he has had in his journey with the medical field and being misdiagnosed. But like you said there are so many layers for us to interoperate the lyrics, like the part about the chalk outline. You brought up so many angles and by favorite was about them looking like lines of powdered drugs, line by line and also like the white stuff in pills. I thought of ‘we trace ourselves in these chalk outlines’ as: We do it to ourselfs to take up a new habit that makes us feel like living dead, being dead inside as the chalk outlines in the crime scene are done around dead bodies. As the body is then brought to the morgue and the outlines are still there in the crime scene but nothing inside so walking around ‘like a floating chalk outline’- can be feeling like an empty shell, being just outlines and blank inside, like the chalked outline at the crime scene. Being just an outline but empty inside then also goes with ‘bury my self with a great big smile’ - the smile being the empty shell and bury also referring to death, being dead inside. And when he sings ‘we erase ourselves in these chalk outlines - chalk outlines are frail and easy to erase, can be washed away or easily smudged by a cleaner or any bystander. Or even the elements of nature like the rain. So many ways to see this. What a fantastic artist Ren is. I apreiciate your long and thoughtful reaction.
Ren is like the artist whos been long awaited by many to finally address the elephant in the room. He most bravely screams the truth from rooftops: "The King is naked!" *sigh* Such a relief..Thank you Ren.
Maybe you said this and I missed it, but I also see the chalk outline as the balance between survival and giving up. This being the chalk outline of his own body, like you'd find in a crime scene. With Ren's Lyme disease being was so horribly misdiagnosed for years, as bipolar, he was given many different kinds of psychotropic medications. The end result was a form of psychosis and PTSD. How terrifying that must have been for a young and extremely creative mind. Things changed for him after they correctly diagnosed the Lyme disease. Aw, but that fear of chg, will it be worse or better??? How we cling to what we know, even if what we know is killing us. He's said (and is currently getting treatment for in Canada) the damage his body and brain uncured during the really bad period was massive. For me, Ren's ability to turn his trauma and pain inside out, dissect it, internalize it and spit it back out to us in the form of such incredible beauty and positivity is absolutely amazing. Let alone his ability to perform and tell a story. As for Chinchilla, well she's another star. Their Harmony and interaction between each other is truly art. Sorry for the long post, but I loved your interpretation, made me see a broader picture. Thank you for that. As for the emotion it drew from you, well guess you're human too. Much love. I'll be looking for more of your reactions. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗🤗. Oh, I might of subscribed too... Lol
When the last time two people and a guitar , in a hallway, were able to provoke that much emotion, they’re unbelievable, and that’s are hard thing to do
Love your reaction and explanations afterwards. I thought the floating chalkline meant walking around dead with the thought the drugs are keeping you alive, but your right, its got so many layers and you explain it well. Thank you
It's a beautiful song. Captures how I've felt a few times in my life quite well. He sings with the sadness and she adds a bit of angst, sure does paint a picture. What I get out of this song is sometimes you just have to grind your teeth and go through things. Of course we all put ourselves into the stuff we listen to...
This was a wonderful reaction and watching you watching this made me feel like I did when I first heard this hauntingly beautiful song. Thank you! I am so glad you recognise Ren's creativity, talent and brilliance. I have been watching Ren busking live for seven years and it is great that he is finally going global. Another great thing about his music is it is encouraging other people to discuss their own mental health issues. Please continue on your Ren journey. It's an exciting ride! Check out some of his busking videos with The Big Push to hear more of his incredible singing voice. Enjoy!
I was moved by your emotive ‘reaction’, your insight and perception. I should create the word reactionalysis. I think that this song and Hi Ren reach inside those who have struggled with minor and major things in life and suddenly allows us to know we are not alone. I’m sure that many truly touched by these songs through life experiences hold genuine compassion which is a very powerful force within, not just empathy or sympathy. Thank you ❤️🇬🇧
I also loved ur reaction man we were both choked up at the same time, love it your so raw and feel your shit all the way through you, how can you watch hi ren or this n not be moved to your core, agreed and with every thing you touched on , just to add to it broaden the perspective so to speak,I also thought chalk out line which symbolizes death, to myself , cuz someone had To die to have ur "crime seen" so so we numb our shit to feel better to cope, n try to but we're killing
Numbing illegally then with help , to be able to try to live fully, but in doing so were numbing to the point were barely even there, trying to live, were killing ourselves
I love that it is so open to interpretation. Chalk outlines like they are dying inside, or like they draw this shape that looks like a person but they don’t really fit into. Or like the fuzzy edges of chalk art that has soft edges. Or even like redrawing yourself as a new shape that you’ll grow into. So beautiful.
I saw another reactor the other day, who actually took that refrain part as a positive message of like healthy habits like affirmations. I’m putting a big smile on not to necessarily bury yourself but to bury the sadness, which I know it’s something that a lot of us do. He’s just brilliant. The fact that his music can say so many things to so many people is a testament to how good of a lyricist he is. Such simple lines with such profound meaning.
Their other collaboration - How to be me, is also haunting. Vocals & harmonies are insane. Also think you'd love some of his more story based work - The Tale of Jenny & Screech. Or for something a bit more upbeat - Diazepam or his old band The Big Push who were known for their busking on the streets of Brighton.
Aww i love ur reactions ❤ur face said it all n u broke it down beautifully.Ren is the first UK artist whose affected me so much since Mic Righteous, he’s amazing xxx
Ok when you said "that noose is also a lifeline" hit really hard. I keep dancing on that line between "what do i hate more-how i feel without medications or how those medications make me feel?"
Your analysis and emotional response to this song was as beautiful as the song itself. Amazing way to describe what is being protrayed here with all of the different layers and meanings. This will help many, not just the song itself, but you taking the time to share your highly intelligent thoughts on it in such a well-spoken manner. So glad you are back and looking forward to whatever you bring us next!
Bro you had the same reaction to this that I did. Then it played it while I was getting ready to head out Saturday and she walked in crying asking what what the hell are listening to. She originally wldnt give him a chance and now she’s hooked.
If you read about his story, you will definitely understand the "theme" behind all his music, videos, etc. This man has been through hell and back and you can hear the pain in his songs. Freckled angels- is about his best friend that toke his life, and check out the tales,the trilogy in the specific order (jenny, screech,violet)
My goodness. You are absolutely genius at dissecting Rens music. Just like Ren pouring his heart and soul into his music, you do just the same in appreciating it. Thank you for this video. I’m now a subscriber and will be listening to all your reactions to Ren. Ren has so many uniquely powerful songs that I it is so hard deciding which one is like to hear a reaction to next. Sick Boi is and obvious one as is a A Tale of Jenny and Screech but I think I’d like to hear a reaction to Penitence. This one had the most beautiful sound to it. Awesome stuff, will also be checking out your background as you are deep
Fil, outstanding song from a unique talent. Beautiful, beautiful reaction, bro When deserts cover all of this we know and the entropy dominates, the cohesiveness of us blown on trade winds to common names, the emotional clothes the usual habits, gut instincts are eliminated, the shapes move to shaped moves and fortresses' don't accomodate. #QcucumberSquad #Ren #Chinchilla - Fil, I'm off back to the study.
It is great to have you back! The reaction world wasn't the same without your gems of knowledge. And to start with an Artist like Ren, its like discovering Twenty One Pilots for the first time. A real artist with a flawless catalog! Excited to see you run through these amazing songs! ✌
That was perfect 😊 everything you said made sense to me. I couldn’t figure out what he was doing at the beginning. I thought it meant something but I was stumped. 😊
This reaction felt like looking into a mirror at myself watching this song for the first time. I still can't wrap my head around the way this track touches my soul. ✌❤💪
Loved your interpretation! I had another thought for the layers of the chalk outline. Chinchilla says (I think) “draw our ghost with the dark chalk outline”, in rehab, many of the drugs they give can make you numb inside….to the point you feel dead, feeling neither highs nor lows. You become a ghost of yourself, not really alive. So she speaks to ghost-like sensation as well as the feeling of walking around “dead”. That outline is dark…..not even white like regular chalk. Almost….a fate worse than death. The gallows and being on tip toes to breathe, spoke tome of barely hanging in there. Death is right there, no known escape,but I am trying to hang in there, breathe as long as I can. Holding onto to life for dear life, even though the noose is already around my neck and death could be only a moment away. This whole thing speaks to me of striving…..to live.
Good reaction but you need to know his full story. He was misdiagnosed for 10 years so the referee to “ take this one, wash it down it down and you’ll be fine”, is something he was told for years. His misdiagnosis, his constant pain, his psychosis, created by the pharma given to him in error, is part of his feeling of “walking dead” in the chalk outlines. Please find out more about him. He also does this to help others by bridging this into the recreational drugs. He is healing millions through his music. Not only the music, but the poetry is so healing. You don’t see that these days for a reason. The mainstream won’t allow him to keep his genius in tact.
The first few words by chinchilla were Sertraline and a sip of serotonin, sertraline a drug I'm prescribed, so I took all the books as medical records. Setraline works on your serotonin depletion, recriational euphoric drugs like ecstasy can deplete your serotonin levels. Which is I think why I'm prescribed them. I draw the conclusion that chalk outlines is a connection of the pill that we take and the way it makes us feel. Chalky substance of the sertraline we take that makes you feel dead. Like the body outlines on the floor.
Interesting to hear your other perspectives on the chalk outline and how it can be taken in multiple meanings. As a former cocaine/crack addict who used it to numb the absolute misery of my life such that pharmaceuticals wouldn't even touch the pain other than strong sleeping tablets to knock me out (I've often said crack actually saved my life as it was that or the noose at times), my key feeling from this was that drugs (both recreational and prescribed) make you feel numb & empty, so just a hollow of yourself, you're dead inside (and hence the crime scene double meaning) but I like your take on we are drawing our own crime scene around ourselves and keeping ourselves stuck inside that outline. Re chalk, I took that as its not permanent- it can be erased and redrawn but also the relief from drugs is only temporary. I hadn't thought of the fact that pharmaceuticals are essentially chalk, or the link between lines of cocaine looking like cut chalk we take bit by bit. Knowing Ren I imagine he intended to cover all of these things
This is now in my top ten favorite songs of all time, right up there with Pearl Jam's Even Flow and Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah. Another Ren and Chinchilla song is in that top ten too, so if you want to risk having another equally impactful reaction you should definitely watch the live recording of How To Be Me. Really loved your analysis of this one. It seems to hit people quite deeply, and that's understandable. This is real art doing its job :)
This one is so very heavy. The two of them embody the despair and suffering so well. The echo in that hallway is so organic. Brilliant. He does do upbeat songs also. I would highly recommend Power or Humble. They are my favorite upbeat tunes right now.
Perfect day is also the title of Lou Reeds song of the same name.....which [allegedly]refers to heroin addiction...the tune was used extensively, innocently? by various ad agencies/TV companies etc. before this [possible] aspect was pointed out..
![Ren x Chinchilla: Chalk Outlines [Reaction] - A Beautifully Tragic Metaphor](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CSUmApWzD3g/mqdefault.jpg)
Oh this was so beautiful. Thank you for such a heartfelt reaction. Sending you love, I appreciate the support and this video so much 🙏💓
I hope that he reacts to your latest song. You are amazing and I love your voice and your work. I watched your interview and it was just lovely. I really feel like I got to know you in that interview and that's special. Many times interviewers do a horrible job and talk way too much. He is a great guy as well. Thank you for you work. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 ❤️
Pretty good reactor huh.
You are a beautiful soul with the voice of an angel Chinchilla.
It takes a special person to put the darkness of the mind into a song and make it beautiful.
Your explanation of the chalk outlines was perfect!
@lynette599 I apologize, it takes a special person to take a song that is about the darkness of the mind and make it beautiful.
@@sarahanderson8635 i agree, my comment was incorrect - I confused two songs by the same title (minus one letter).
I don’t think this is about recreational drugs. It’s about his depression and anxiety and the way that makes you float around feeling suicidal, numb and a shell of yourself.
Sertraline is a drug for anxiety and depression. Serotonin is what’s missing from your body when you feel depressed. I think the concept of the gallows is that he’s on the edge of allowing the darkness to take him. Constantly having to balance rather than having a firm footing. Not feeling grounded.
One more thing to add to the "Gallows" line: The very thing killing him is also the very thing keeping him alive. His life and death line (being the noose) is the vice. Either way the conclusion to it all is his demise.
I appreciate your breakdown. The lyrics floating chalk outlines felt to me as death. They are walking around like zombies as they feel they have already died. There are only chalk outlines that are placed on the ground, but they carry on daily with these curses of a living death. Just my thoughts. Love your work!
There is hope, though. Think of Hi Ren, where we meet 'the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope'. Thank you for your inspiring thoughts. I will watch this again. Can I just warn you that 'How to be me' hits even harder? Stunning, but it'll be one hell of a ride.
Good evening sir , thank you for another compelling breakdown. This might be a personal question, but why do you suppose Ren keeps making us cry, aside from the obvious reasons.
Don’t worry brother, Ren has the same effect on all of us. Be well and have a great week.
Please react to freckled angels live next... I prefer his live one take videos or live performances
Ren is speaking to his experience with his illness and depression, coping...Chinchillas solo verse is his other voice telling him just to keep on keeping on, stick to the plan....them singing together is the reconciliation and acceptance in hope of getting better
There is something pretty incredible going with people in general, when it comes to Ren's music.
Things are being spoken of that don't usually even get whispered.
I've seen people relating tales of personal struggles and how they overcame them.
I've seen people telling folks to get help if they need it.
His music is connecting people on levels that are personal and unexpected ways.
This was a great reaction and breakdown.
I had heard that this was inspired by a couple of friends commiting suicide at 17. But, I'm not totally sure.
You're absolutely right, this dude is the antithesis of the shite we are all going through and have suffered in recent years and even more virulent. He's making me question my knuckle dragging mentality and lift my hands up to a better tomorrow. I suspect I'm alone with this thought with the few million other people who are reaching for the new light. Amazing talent.
The community he’s created with his honesty and transparency has encouraged reactors and commenters alike to reveal themselves and offer shared support. It’s really remarkable to see us rally round Ren in his treatment, the way he takes the time to spread love and encourage reaction instead of squelching it, and the healing his art inspires is just so remarkable.
Yes, people are talking to each other because of his music and that is dangerous to the mainstream. People are waking up and looking around to see where they are and asking how and why they got here.
His friend Joe Hughes jumped off a bridge and his body was never found. "Freckled Angels" and "I Forgot How to be Me" were about him. (probably others)
I 💯 agree...its a beautiful thing, people being authentic and without fear. It's truly magical...it doesn't matter who or where they are from, it's the universal language of love and respect between human beings. And holding space for the message to resonate. It makes my heart explode.
Its really refreshing to see a real artist trending all over the place
Yeah this song is a gut punch ... but not in the bad way
On the intro: Pych units I have been on would have former patient files archived in cellars. Staff would sometimes use the space for quiet moments, agerncy staff would use them to sleep. Things like guitars would be prohibited on the unit, ligature rules, same with clothing, but you might find things staff had left as the area is supposed to be locked and out of bounds to patients.
Its a perfect day... When you're taking drugs prescribed for depression etc you have to keep taking the pills even on days when you "feel" ok...
Truth. I can't even remember how long I've been on anti depressants but I remember asking my doctor one time if I could go off them and she asked me why I wanted to do that. Have tried going off them on my own but the withdrawals have kept me from this. How f****d up is that?
@@boho_hippychick I hear you loud and clear. Been on anti-depressants and other psychotropic meds since my late teens. Many different one ms thru the years. When I go off I end up in the hospital so I have resigned myself. We have to deal the best we can to keep showing up for life.
You're obviously a good man with a big brain.....but an even bigger heart. That's what Really matters. Blessings Bro thru a man called Ren. Who knew!??? 🎵🔥🙏
❤️❤️❤️
The guy is so talented. He can sing beautifully on this, rap his ass off with Genesis and the like, absolutely destroy the performance art genre with hi ren, go straight insane bardcore with the tale of Jenny and Screech, and plays the guitar like it's a physical expression of emotion. It's really a staggering list of musical abilities.
Great that u watched the video all the way through before gathering your thoughts
Some artists you hear, some you listen to and some you feel and live. Ren you feel and live! He is fast becoming one of the most important artists around. Let’s hope his illness doesn’t take him away from us!
I had an additional thought about the "erase ourselves in these chalk outlines" line. Throughout my life, I've encountered people who felt that these pharmaceutical drugs changed who they are. My mom had to get off one because it took away any feelings of attachment to her children. One artistic friend lost the ability to be inspired, so couldn't do their art. These are changes to the fundamental parts of you that make you who you are. So you're erasing yourself in a chalk outline, while continuing to exist.
There is some truly amazing talent out there. Which will probably never become mainstream - because it’s too good, too real ….
Couldn't agree with you more... Sadly
We can all speculate. We are all free to interpret how we want. The beauty of Ren, I find for myself, is that he can be so direct, and so indirect that you can relate no matter what. He's telling his story, but it is everyone's story just the same. I think it was a great interpretation you put forth. Well done! Mine's a bit different, yet now, it's closer to yours. That's the beauty of the art. I teach English to relatively high level students in a foreign country. I've introduced them to Ren's trilogy, and when I asked them to find something powerful to present, they are at their best because they have thier artistic/real life experiences to draw upon.
True talent. Thank you for reacting!
Edit: As someone who is on anti-depressants, sertraline, the one Chinchilla mentions in the song, I have to say that it really is bittersweet. My mind is calm, but the side effects are horrible. Headaches, high blood pressure, dry mouth, vomiting ect.... It basically cures my depressive tendencies and makes me more calm and rational and wildly almost completely erases my cptsd symptoms, but it does not come for free! It truly is a pick your poison situation.
The line, "I'm scared of being okay, cause all things change" is also so true. You can be on your meds and feel okay, but for how long, and can you truly take in a good day, when knowing it might be the last good day you'll see in a while?
And of course also the fear of not taking it anymore, or lowering the dose, should you feel somewhat better.
This one hit you hard, fam. I could see it in your eyes. Hit me that same way, so don't feel alone. LOVED your reaction!!! 🎶🔥😎🤗🤗
30+ years chronic autoimmune illnesses. Your breakdowns are brilliant. It's very dark kinda humor but after my blood work looked very questionable, I was sent to a hematologist. A very cool dr that advised I must add him to my " ists" ( rheumatologist, neurologist, pulmonologist, oncologists, pain specialist, etc...) he let me know all humans carry cancer genes, and basically, I have an amount equivalent to 30 cents of a dollar. That I must be checked a couple of times a year. His humor was someone who understood chronic illness and bedside manner . I was not surprised. Really, it's been something added continually year after year. He left me with "I've got good news and bad news, good news it's not cancer, but bad news is it's not cancer. The bleak realization I am to carry this until I die. It's part of my story
What feelings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such a breath of fresh air...I new artist that's burning his own path...his way...my God the music scene needs this man Ren 🔥🙏🔥
I really like your reactions, because you think about everything: music, experience, lyrics. You also can't and don't want to hide your human reaction and that's wonderful. It's wonderful to see a human being showing his deepest feelings awakened by "ordinary" music. Thank you for that.
Thanks very much. Really appreciate it 🙂❤️🥒
Brilliant reaction and super-smart, thoughtful interpretation. My first instinct was that Ren was looking through medical records and clinical trial data and whatnot - simply because I know he has been searching for proper diagnosis and treatment for his various conditions for years. But it works for your extended storyboards too. The line about being scared to be OK (and even rhyming/contrasting it with such a perfect day!) is so thought-provoking and on the money. One more thought: the part where he sings "Oh my my, oh my my" feels like it's lifted straight from The Verve's Lucky Man which would fit perfectly with hiding behind a great big smile etc. (Ren actually dropped a Verve cover this week, so we know this was one of his musical worlds growing up) Anyway cheers!
Get's you in the soulfulness.
No one gets through his without getting emotional. I've watched SO many reactions to this and still get teary eyed.
I sure hope @renmakesmusic views this, a really good effort put forth.
I have goosebumps ON MY FACE.
"Oh mama, oh mama" chorus also plays into parents drawing chalk outlines around you as a kid. This song hits hard in so many ways.
Goodness this man...........is sooooo young to be so old.......I'm obsessed....n this song is Mt drug for now so thanks ren your the d man. Lol
Jesus, that was f'ing great.
I've come to the conclusion that Ren is the Diogenes of modern music.
Man, I just love you. Seriously.
I said it before and I will say it again - I originaly started watching you because of Dimash, Aurora and couple of other artists, but no matter the type of artists, you never dissapoint with your honest and heartfelt reactions. ❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is so powerful. Hearing so much of my life flowing out of someone else's mouth in the form of beautiful lyrics. Music has an amazing power of empathy
/// The Big Push - English Man In New York live /// The Big Push - Bongo Bong (Manu Chao cover) /// Ren - The Tale of Jenny and Screech (360 Live) ///
Thankyou.
Would absolutely love you to watch The tale of Jenny and screech full version. It’s three parts that need to go together (Jenny’s tale, screech’s tale, and violets tale.) Ren has them out together as a single 13ish minute video. Well worth a watch.
Check out his song “Penitence” featuring Molly Mckinna
This song is so goooood
Back when I was lost that song spoke my mind if you know you know
Thank you for this reaction. I've been losing my mind over this song since it first happened to me. I'm obsessed with the intentional beauty of those harmonies. To me they represent what, in reality, is always the most destructive, entropic relationships but in their brief shining moments, the drawing out of each other, the being seen, the sick cold comfort of intimacy before it's burned off by the heat of such an unsustainable existence. The becoming like each other in order not to be alone and again, even within that there is no other possible outcome but destruction and erasure. It's such a potent shorthand, "chalk outline" and even before the physical death, the horror of being dead while you still draw breath. He's astounding and it does my heart so much good to see this music felt and respected so deeply.
You're this first reactor to get it right.
"Walk around in these floating chalk outlines" & "feeling ghost in the chalk outlines"... feeling numb and paralyzed.
"Draw ourself in the chalk outlines"...killing ourselves with bad happened and addictions, "balance on our toes", fighting fighting fighting. "Erase ourselves from the chalk outlines"... nothing left of who I used to be, I'm dead maybe even really dead.
Chalk outlines have a very universal image around the world and that is the 'crime scene' visual.
So great to see someone who really get it.
Powerful song and powerful reaction. Like how you watched the full song and took time to gather your thoughts.
I think some of the reactors who pause the videos to often are having a hard time understanding why their emotions are going haywire. Pausing, for me, seems to take away the full impact of feeling the emotional journey Ren guides you through.
?? Maybe??
No studio, no expensive producer, no complement of filters and auto-tuners. Just two extremely talented artists using natural acoustics to send a message of stunning magnitude. The same as with the empty room for Hi Ren. When Ren first got ill with Lyme disease he was so sick he stayed in bed 23 hours a day. More pills, more pills. and more pills making him sicker. Hopefully, you have watched, Sick Boi... The drugs were not by choice.
Your analysis mirrors my own with the exception of your insight into why Chinchilla is essential to the song. ❤I instinctually knew she was essential to the core of the song but you articulated it so well and the underlying reason❤
A chalk outline is what the police used to draw around a dead body at a crime scene.
Thank you so much for letting it play at the start, this song is best experienced uninteruppted due to the powerful buildup of emotion that it has. Most reactors would have worried about copyright but you rightfully just got swept up in the emotion and respected the art of it. Wonderful breakdown as well, you have gained a new sub :)
No disagreement with anything you said but can I add another layer (which may part of what you were thinking but I didn't pick up on). You appear to be consistantly returning to a line of thought that runs; recreational drug use > rehab > medication. Can I add a slightly more literal interpretation of your 2nd view of the chalk outline marked around a body at a crime scene.
Lots of us new to Ren also now know that he had misdiagnosed Lyme disease. Thru that he will have been in constant/regular pain, he'll have been bedridden which will introduce feelings of isolation and it'd be a suprise if this didn't impact negatively on his mental health.
As he was misdiagnosed, the drugs he was being given for the physical condition wouldn't have helped much, or at all, so his discomfort would have continued. He will also have been medicated for the effects of the mental 'wear & tear'.
Can't speak for anywhere else but in the UK Dr's would likely prescribe an SSRI with a lower chance of side effects. If that doesn't work you'd go through a period of detox to clear the body before trying a different one. Rinse and repeat until you find something which offers some assistance (if you're lucky, along with some kind of therapist input/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
While going thru that cycle, likely repeatedly, he'd still be dealing with the pain & mental instability. And that'd be draining and would adversley impact on his general health even further (basically living life as depicted in "Hi Ren" 24/7).
I don't think it's much of a stretch to assume that there could then be a temptation towards recreational drugs (self medicating). You may know that there's risk involved. Sure they're unregulated, they're not health supplements, there would be a risk they present on their own plus you wouldn't know how they would be interact with what you were being legally prescribed (cocktails are not always fun) ... but if what the Dr's were currently prescribing wasn't helping and there was a chance they might make the pain &/or 'the voices' stop, even if only briefly, surely desperation could lead you to consider the risk worthwhile ... essentially leading to you playing a leading role in creating your own crime scene with chalk lines around your body.
And let's not exclude alcohol as a self-medication option. Guess lots of us have been prescribed something with an alcohol warning & decided internally that "well that's more of a guideline" or "well one or two won't hurt ... they just mean don't go to excess"
Just a thought & sorry for the length ... not an easy subject matter to reduce to bullet points.
Love this!!! ❤️
Love your raw emotion it’s so relatable to most if not all
Wow. Thank you for your reaction. This is only the second one from you regarding Ren. He cuts to the chase. I have always considered myself totally in control of my destiny, thoughts and beliefs. However he is highlighting the knife edge that we all live upon. For some people the knife edge is broader. But there’s always an edge. His message is simple and also complicated. We are all multi layered. We have to find a way forward no matter how steep the hill is in front of us. To survive as a species and to embrace our existence as a tiny fraction of our planet. This is all we’ve got. Thank you again. X
So, I came here to watch this. I've never seen you before but you're my new favourite. It's almost like it's on purpose. He went to Canada and then blew up, he got out of here so he won't be hassled and let his music do the talking. There's always a conspiracy, ha ha ha.
Omgosh Omgosh Omgosh, my eyes r just leaking like a faucet left on just a little. What a wonderful reaction. #HOG
This is so greatest reaction and breakdown to any song I’ve seen. And when it comes to Ren, I have seen many. Thank you.
Thanks very much. Really appreciate it. 🙂
we only had a brief hearing of Ren's singing voice in "Hi Ren".......in this performance we get the full 'Bardcore'........."Take this one, wash it down and you'll be fine" is what the doctors tell Ren......"There's a pill for everything".......what sarcasm and disgust!
A great reaction to a great artist.
I think Ren resenates with so many people because the lyrics are written as his truth but in a way that is open to so many iterpetations. That is his brilliance in his storytelling just like Aurora does. My two favorite artists of all time. They are so true, emotional and raw. Not afrait to talk about darker areas of life but still with hope and empathy.
People have mentioned that this story is probably personal Ren to the struggle he has had in his journey with the medical field and being misdiagnosed.
But like you said there are so many layers for us to interoperate the lyrics, like the part about the chalk outline. You brought up so many angles and by favorite was about them looking like lines of powdered drugs, line by line and also like the white stuff in pills.
I thought of ‘we trace ourselves in these chalk outlines’ as: We do it to ourselfs to take up a new habit that makes us feel like living dead, being dead inside as the chalk outlines in the crime scene are done around dead bodies. As the body is then brought to the morgue and the outlines are still there in the crime scene but nothing inside so walking around ‘like a floating chalk outline’- can be feeling like an empty shell, being just outlines and blank inside, like the chalked outline at the crime scene. Being just an outline but empty inside then also goes with ‘bury my self with a great big smile’ - the smile being the empty shell and bury also referring to death, being dead inside. And when he sings ‘we erase ourselves in these chalk outlines - chalk outlines are frail and easy to erase, can be washed away or easily smudged by a cleaner or any bystander. Or even the elements of nature like the rain. So many ways to see this. What a fantastic artist Ren is.
I apreiciate your long and thoughtful reaction.
Ren is like the artist whos been long awaited by many to finally address the elephant in the room. He most bravely screams the truth from rooftops: "The King is naked!" *sigh* Such a relief..Thank you Ren.
Yea i get your reaction.
Maybe you said this and I missed it, but I also see the chalk outline as the balance between survival and giving up. This being the chalk outline of his own body, like you'd find in a crime scene. With Ren's Lyme disease being was so horribly misdiagnosed for years, as bipolar, he was given many different kinds of psychotropic medications. The end result was a form of psychosis and PTSD. How terrifying that must have been for a young and extremely creative mind. Things changed for him after they correctly diagnosed the Lyme disease. Aw, but that fear of chg, will it be worse or better??? How we cling to what we know, even if what we know is killing us. He's said (and is currently getting treatment for in Canada) the damage his body and brain uncured during the really bad period was massive. For me, Ren's ability to turn his trauma and pain inside out, dissect it, internalize it and spit it back out to us in the form of such incredible beauty and positivity is absolutely amazing. Let alone his ability to perform and tell a story. As for Chinchilla, well she's another star. Their Harmony and interaction between each other is truly art.
Sorry for the long post, but I loved your interpretation, made me see a broader picture. Thank you for that. As for the emotion it drew from you, well guess you're human too. Much love. I'll be looking for more of your reactions. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗🤗. Oh, I might of subscribed too... Lol
When the last time two people and a guitar , in a hallway, were able to provoke that much emotion, they’re unbelievable, and that’s are hard thing to do
Love your reaction and explanations afterwards. I thought the floating chalkline meant walking around dead with the thought the drugs are keeping you alive, but your right, its got so many layers and you explain it well. Thank you
Thank you. Honest reaction, honest coments. I am discovering new music by watching you.
It's a beautiful song. Captures how I've felt a few times in my life quite well. He sings with the sadness and she adds a bit of angst, sure does paint a picture. What I get out of this song is sometimes you just have to grind your teeth and go through things. Of course we all put ourselves into the stuff we listen to...
This was a wonderful reaction and watching you watching this made me feel like I did when I first heard this hauntingly beautiful song. Thank you!
I am so glad you recognise Ren's creativity, talent and brilliance.
I have been watching Ren busking live for seven years and it is great that he is finally going global.
Another great thing about his music is it is encouraging other people to discuss their own mental health issues. Please continue on your Ren journey. It's an exciting ride! Check out some of his busking videos with The Big Push to hear more of his incredible singing voice.
Enjoy!
I was moved by your emotive ‘reaction’, your insight and perception. I should create the word reactionalysis. I think that this song and Hi Ren reach inside those who have struggled with minor and major things in life and suddenly allows us to know we are not alone. I’m sure that many truly touched by these songs through life experiences hold genuine compassion which is a very powerful force within, not just empathy or sympathy. Thank you ❤️🇬🇧
I also loved ur reaction man we were both choked up at the same time, love it your so raw and feel your shit all the way through you, how can you watch hi ren or this n not be moved to your core, agreed and with every thing you touched on , just to add to it broaden the perspective so to speak,I also thought chalk out line which symbolizes death, to myself , cuz someone had To die to have ur "crime seen" so so we numb our shit to feel better to cope, n try to but we're killing
Numbing illegally then with help , to be able to try to live fully, but in doing so were numbing to the point were barely even there, trying to live, were killing ourselves
This is the most eloquent and passionate response I have seen to this song. What a gift. xo
Live. One take. One camera in an abandoned office building. Incredible.
I have discovered Ren today thanks to your two wonderful reactions to these two powerful songs. Thanks Fil, I love your sensibility and intelligence
Welcome to n amazing journey of discovery. There is so much to explore, and the worst you will discover is plain 'really good'.
I love that it is so open to interpretation. Chalk outlines like they are dying inside, or like they draw this shape that looks like a person but they don’t really fit into. Or like the fuzzy edges of chalk art that has soft edges. Or even like redrawing yourself as a new shape that you’ll grow into. So beautiful.
I saw another reactor the other day, who actually took that refrain part as a positive message of like healthy habits like affirmations. I’m putting a big smile on not to necessarily bury yourself but to bury the sadness, which I know it’s something that a lot of us do. He’s just brilliant.
The fact that his music can say so many things to so many people is a testament to how good of a lyricist he is. Such simple lines with such profound meaning.
This is actually a great song! 🎸🖤😀First listen and i'm already liking it
Ren is just Amazing As is Chinchilla Thank you x
Their other collaboration - How to be me, is also haunting. Vocals & harmonies are insane.
Also think you'd love some of his more story based work - The Tale of Jenny & Screech.
Or for something a bit more upbeat - Diazepam or his old band The Big Push who were known for their busking on the streets of Brighton.
Aww i love ur reactions ❤ur face said it all n u broke it down beautifully.Ren is the first UK artist whose affected me so much since Mic Righteous, he’s amazing xxx
I've gone down the Ren rabbit hole.. At this point, if he sang a song backwards and be complete mumble jumble, I'd STILL love it 😂
FIL.. awe sending you much love and hugs 🤗 I just adore you as a person.. not trying to sound like a flirt 😚
I know.. :) thank you :)
Man, I am astounded and enthralled listening to your breakdown. Top Notch!
Ok when you said "that noose is also a lifeline" hit really hard. I keep dancing on that line between "what do i hate more-how i feel without medications or how those medications make me feel?"
Your analysis and emotional response to this song was as beautiful as the song itself. Amazing way to describe what is being protrayed here with all of the different layers and meanings. This will help many, not just the song itself, but you taking the time to share your highly intelligent thoughts on it in such a well-spoken manner. So glad you are back and looking forward to whatever you bring us next!
What a beautiful and moving reaction ❤️
Thank you for taking your time to explain your thoughts ❤️
Be good to hear your take on Ren's "How to be me" (live version).
Bro you had the same reaction to this that I did. Then it played it while I was getting ready to head out Saturday and she walked in crying asking what what the hell are listening to. She originally wldnt give him a chance and now she’s hooked.
The genius of Ren is that he uses ambiguity in his work that allows it to resonate on so many levels and with so many's experience.
If you read about his story, you will definitely understand the "theme" behind all his music, videos, etc. This man has been through hell and back and you can hear the pain in his songs. Freckled angels- is about his best friend that toke his life, and check out the tales,the trilogy in the specific order (jenny, screech,violet)
My goodness. You are absolutely genius at dissecting Rens music. Just like Ren pouring his heart and soul into his music, you do just the same in appreciating it. Thank you for this video. I’m now a subscriber and will be listening to all your reactions to Ren.
Ren has so many uniquely powerful songs that I it is so hard deciding which one is like to hear a reaction to next. Sick Boi is and obvious one as is a A Tale of Jenny and Screech but I think I’d like to hear a reaction to Penitence. This one had the most beautiful sound to it. Awesome stuff, will also be checking out your background as you are deep
Fable, давно не было ваших реакций на Шамана... Смотрю вас еще с реакций на Димаша. Ваши реакции лучшие!
Fil, outstanding song from a unique talent. Beautiful, beautiful reaction, bro
When deserts cover all of this we know and the entropy dominates,
the cohesiveness of us blown on trade winds to common names,
the emotional clothes the usual habits, gut instincts are eliminated,
the shapes move to shaped moves and fortresses' don't accomodate.
#QcucumberSquad #Ren #Chinchilla - Fil, I'm off back to the study.
Can't wait for your take/reaction on this.
💥Mind Blown💥
It is great to have you back! The reaction world wasn't the same without your gems of knowledge. And to start with an Artist like Ren, its like discovering Twenty One Pilots for the first time. A real artist with a flawless catalog! Excited to see you run through these amazing songs! ✌
Great, insightful reaction. How to be me goes along similar lines, but is a lot heavier. Beautiful but hard to listen to if you are struggling
It’s ‘how to be me’ which makes me cry. Especially that last verse. Knowing what happened to his friend Joe just made it too real.
That was perfect 😊 everything you said made sense to me. I couldn’t figure out what he was doing at the beginning. I thought it meant something but I was stumped. 😊
This reaction felt like looking into a mirror at myself watching this song for the first time. I still can't wrap my head around the way this track touches my soul. ✌❤💪
Loved your interpretation! I had another thought for the layers of the chalk outline. Chinchilla says (I think) “draw our ghost with the dark chalk outline”, in rehab, many of the drugs they give can make you numb inside….to the point you feel dead, feeling neither highs nor lows. You become a ghost of yourself, not really alive. So she speaks to ghost-like sensation as well as the feeling of walking around “dead”. That outline is dark…..not even white like regular chalk. Almost….a fate worse than death. The gallows and being on tip toes to breathe, spoke tome of barely hanging in there. Death is right there, no known escape,but I am trying to hang in there, breathe as long as I can. Holding onto to life for dear life, even though the noose is already around my neck and death could be only a moment away. This whole thing speaks to me of striving…..to live.
Good reaction but you need to know his full story. He was misdiagnosed for 10 years so the referee to “ take this one, wash it down it down and you’ll be fine”, is something he was told for years. His misdiagnosis, his constant pain, his psychosis, created by the pharma given to him in error, is part of his feeling of “walking dead” in the chalk outlines. Please find out more about him. He also does this to help others by bridging this into the recreational drugs. He is healing millions through his music. Not only the music, but the poetry is so healing. You don’t see that these days for a reason. The mainstream won’t allow him to keep his genius in tact.
The first few words by chinchilla were Sertraline and a sip of serotonin, sertraline a drug I'm prescribed, so I took all the books as medical records. Setraline works on your serotonin depletion, recriational euphoric drugs like ecstasy can deplete your serotonin levels. Which is I think why I'm prescribed them. I draw the conclusion that chalk outlines is a connection of the pill that we take and the way it makes us feel. Chalky substance of the sertraline we take that makes you feel dead. Like the body outlines on the floor.
Interesting to hear your other perspectives on the chalk outline and how it can be taken in multiple meanings. As a former cocaine/crack addict who used it to numb the absolute misery of my life such that pharmaceuticals wouldn't even touch the pain other than strong sleeping tablets to knock me out (I've often said crack actually saved my life as it was that or the noose at times), my key feeling from this was that drugs (both recreational and prescribed) make you feel numb & empty, so just a hollow of yourself, you're dead inside (and hence the crime scene double meaning) but I like your take on we are drawing our own crime scene around ourselves and keeping ourselves stuck inside that outline. Re chalk, I took that as its not permanent- it can be erased and redrawn but also the relief from drugs is only temporary. I hadn't thought of the fact that pharmaceuticals are essentially chalk, or the link between lines of cocaine looking like cut chalk we take bit by bit. Knowing Ren I imagine he intended to cover all of these things
This is now in my top ten favorite songs of all time, right up there with Pearl Jam's Even Flow and Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah.
Another Ren and Chinchilla song is in that top ten too, so if you want to risk having another equally impactful reaction you should definitely watch the live recording of How To Be Me.
Really loved your analysis of this one. It seems to hit people quite deeply, and that's understandable. This is real art doing its job :)
What can I say ! , breakdown was stunning insight , song is genuine genius! , one of the best reactions ever ❤
Glad ppl new SEE why ur the best! THX’s 4 REN, imho this hits hard, esp if U2 live w/ chronic pain. Peace out .. Love 2U & Fam ❤️🥒
Обожаемый Фабле! 🙂🧡🧡🧡
This one is so very heavy. The two of them embody the despair and suffering so well. The echo in that hallway is so organic. Brilliant. He does do upbeat songs also. I would highly recommend Power or Humble. They are my favorite upbeat tunes right now.
Perfect day is also the title of Lou Reeds song of the same name.....which [allegedly]refers to heroin addiction...the tune was used extensively, innocently? by various ad agencies/TV companies etc. before this [possible] aspect was pointed out..
So happy to see you again my friend ❤️