Chief Reacts To "Ren X Chinchilla - Chalk Outlines" 

"i dont want that to be over" - best ren reactor comment ever

Chief, after my 3rd tour in Iraq i came back to a place i didn't recognize and to a home i didn't know. Everything looked different and felt different. I am always on high alert especially when my children are with me. I truly felt like if i had a good day and let my guard down i would lose everything i loved. So, since that day i haven't and i have been in a perpetual state of being on guard. It's no way to live i know that but when you have seen what i have it is impossible to go back to who i was before i left. So today i will continue to stand in the Gallows as Ren says on my tip toes so i can breathe just a little bit more.

One of my favourite Ren songs. For me it's 'in the gallows, I balance on my toes, so I can breathe'. That struggle to keep your head above the water, all the energy it takes, just destroys me.

Every lyric in this song hits hard. The first time I heard this it total wrecked me. It's nice to know you are not alone.

Having Bipolar disorder I find the depressive phases almost comforting these days. They are safe, it can't get worse. (Don't get me wrong, they are still horrible in the way depressions are horrible). But every time things goes up, I have a hard time to enjoy it as I know the inevitable downfall will come again, and it's always just around the corner. It's gotten better however as the right medication has found it's place. I was nothing but a chalk outline before I got the right diagnosis and medication. They kept pumping me with Zoloft and other antidepressant not hearing me properly. But today, I am much better, and I'm filling in those outlines again.

Tears are good , they heal wounds. REN is like a Therapy session. He is healing the World one person at a time. X

Never be afraid to cry mate. Its a divine right. Every single tear of yours is welcome.

Great to see you back brother. If it helps I've listened to this one a dozen times or more and it still makes this 6 foot 5 hairy Aussie bloke blubber like a baby. I'm cool with it if you are man cause it hits home for real. Peace and much love

Yeah this one hit me so hard. I suffer from an autoimune condition as well for the last decade. This resonates so much for me because of the strength you feel within them as they sing. The 'Little by little' part is the hard part just to keep your head above water. The scared to be ok, cause all things change line is one that you have to have lived with pain to understand. I could tell as soon as you heard it that you understood. Its a small comfort to not feel alone even if I wouldn't wish suffering on anyone. So many people hide their suffering and their pain and it can make the world feel like a pretty lonely place at times. Anyway, sorry for the ramble. I love the honesty of your emotion.

Never really understood the reaction RU-vid community until I randomly ended up watching "Hi Ren" and couldn't help but watch videos of other people reacting to his genius. I haven't generally subscribed to the reactors channels but your reactions are so thoughtful, heartfelt and and genuine, I'm interested in what you have to say on other subjects.

The reason you say what makes Ren so likeable and relatable is the same reason we like you. Thank you for keeping it real and showing your true self. Trust me, you are not alone. I would say, the majority of those who watch, if not all, can relate to your words.

Beautiful reaction! Dark may follow after the light, but light also ALWAYS follows after the dark.

Thank you for this reaction. If you want more of his deeply emotional music I highly recommend Crutch feat. Bibi. One of my absolute favourites from Ren.

Your reactions move me as much as REN’s work does at times. Simpatico my fellow human being. That line about being scared to be okay ripped through me as well. REN shreds our shields with his insights. Watching your reaction actually calmed me as I realized the beauty of the emotion. Please keep being you. We are counting on you. ❤❤❤

Glad to have you back. You're not the only one who's afraid to be ok. Ren's music is so real.

Don’t apologize for feeling your feelings. That’s the most human thing you can do. ♥️

There's nothing better than seeing men dispay real vulnerability and emotion. Let the tears flow - its natural, normal and necessary! Ren has arrived and he's making generational change. It's okay NOT to be okay 😌

You are not alone reacting to his songs and storytelling. Anyone has has had doubts at themselfs, had mental illness either themselfs or someone close can relate and these songs hit so HARD.. Which is why we love them. I just can't get enough of Rens world even if my feelings are all over when enjoying how he is able to put words to such subjects.. Oh an yeah, Subscribed and liked :)

This one has been on repeat for a while in my playlist, such a beautiful song. I love Ren, I'm so happy I follow you because you're the reason I discovered him. Much love 🫂

I cried with you brother. I honestly know the feeling. Much love from New Zealand dude.

Throw songs at you to make you cry… It’s reassuring when someone reacts to songs that make us cry with their own tears.

Your comments regarding his real, common person viewpoint. So down to earth! In Hi Ren, the line that gets me is when he he says he will prosper because " I stand here BESIDE you today". My mind always expects him to say I stand here BEFORE you,and WE must remember . He puts himself right on our level.

There is a beauty of the vulnerability you’ve shown, Chief. Ren has the ability to zip line right into the heart of the audience. I watched a hard core metal fan weep hearing this track. I held him while we cried until we laughed. The guy is my brother whom I have never seen cry. I’ll never forget this. 🙏

6:17 when you took time to point out the difference in how British and Americans say 'Draw" as in "Draw a chalk outline', I hit the sub button. Reactions are great, but add in a tidbit of knowledge and I'm hooked. thank you for that and loved your reaction! 🎶🔥🤗🕊

Don’t ever stop being you!!!

I have heard this song countless times and have watched equally as many reactions to it. I still well up and keep coming back for more. This performance prompted me to go down the Chinchilla rabbit hole and her live performance of Fingers left me in utter awe.

Your willingness to be vulnerable is beautiful.

Wholesome raw reaction to a stunning captivating piece. These guys are just simply amazing.

Every lyric hits hard here, but when she starts belting out at the end I lose it every time. Such a gut punch of a song, but so damn beautiful at the same time.

Chief, new sub here after seeing your Ren Reactions. He really opens you up doesn’t he? In the most beautiful way he leaves you raw and emotional. Big love to you man, I hope you’re ok.

I'm 51 and going through some tough stuff, but Ren makes sense of it all, as well as being brilliantly talented. And you sir are a beautiful fucking person.

You have GOT to do ren and chinchilla doing How to be me !! It’s simply amazing ❤✌🏼🔥

At least you don't "ugly cry"...your gorgeous eyes just sparkle even more 💜

Welcome back my friend ☺️. It really is great to have you back. If we told you what the songs were going to be then it would rob you and us of a genuinely great reaction. The line about being afraid to be ok definitely hits hard. It's like you do enjoy it for a while but then get defensive because you know it doesn't last then you end up fearing what tomorrow will be. We've felt the way this song is for most of our life. Try to help others the best we can (even with having our own issues) as it feels like that's what we were meant to do. Much love and take care 🤗

Aw, brother, I felt that. That seemingly innocuous questions we ask without a second thought, “how are ya”, can be a really loaded question some days. When you’re feeling at your best, there seems to always be that niggling at the back of your mind that it feels like you’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop and everything turn to shit. I’ve been there. I totally get why that one got to you 💯♥️

How their voices mely toghether es magical… Ren always gets in my feelings. Never apologize for an emotional reaction, that means it’s honest.

Just as you said Ren's authenticity hits you... so too does YOUR authenticity ring true. What a lovely person you are.

Please do more Ren reactions. I love your reactions. Your so authentic and amazing. Thanks for being you.

Chief we all cry! Yes, that line did it for me too! ❤️ Also you are adorable

So good to have you back, Chief! Be well. Love you, brother. Edit to add: check out What You Want by him. It's a great, upbeat palate cleanser for the heavier stuff.

I feel you, bro It's hard to accept wanting to live when it all ends. Life at its best is beautiful and brutal at the same time

Love your reviews and that you can absolutely tell you're a genuinely good person. The words you said about Ren and treating everyone the same regardless of their status is exactly how I feel you are as well. Congrats on the 10k!!! Well-deserved!!

Love this reaction. The lyrics do hit hard. Beautiful song.

Amazing Reaction, Thanks for doing it! You're a Top Man!

Great reaction ....thanks man !!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I love your reactions so much and this one was no different. Keep doing what you do.

I am 6,8 300 lbs an this man bring me to tears all the time i am so called the ultimate male who should not cry or be emotional but this man speaks to your sole

I can't be still when I hear Power

Emotions are amazing and Good.. Welcome to humanity with everyone else!

G'day and Good morning, just out of bed and found your reaction and I loved it, I've been on the Ren journey the past few weeks, that was the best yet. Thank you. ✌️❤️

I love your reactions man! You're the only reviewer that I watch the face of, instead of the clip. You are a man of great empathy and humility, and it shows. Your emotional response is what keeps it real. Kudos to you👌

Chief, thank you for your heartfelt reaction, friend!

Keep on being yourself mate and making legitimate REAL reactions. Its going to take you places as people can see its not fake. Also if i was you i'd put your link to your gofundme in ALL your video descriptions! You dont need to ask people to help but if there is no link they may not even know that they can help you!

Have a gander at The Big Push, Ren's busking band doing War Pigs. Threw me to the ground it did.

like you I've been away for a little bit, though merely out of chasing a 5yo about his crazy life; stepping back to my meditation via reaction vids and I see you have one up for Chalk Outlines. Oh yeah, the feels, the words that slide right past our prepared and practiced defenses. so glad to be along on this journey of 'well damn. that was amazing' with such good souls such as you Chief. take care of yourself, will keep swinging by. :scott:

Upper crust Massachusetts people add the “R” in words.

just found you! if you like Chinchilla , then that's another complete rabbit hole, Fingers the live for hunger tv is where i would start. Keep on trucking, as always one foot in front of the other 07

your vulnerability really touched me. the line about being scared to be okay because all things change broke me, too. i have bipolar disorder and i feel like a bad shift in my mood is always looming so it’s hard to enjoy the stable times. i’ve worked really hard to try and live in the moment and if i’m having a good day, to appreciate it. i hope you’re well. sending love.

I’ve spent the past ? hours crying to Ren x Chinchilla and watching people like you knowing that I am not alone. You have become one of my favorite reactors because of your honest emotions that you just let be. Ren gives us so much and it just breaks me that he’s had to, and is still going through so much to heal his body and brain- physically , emotionally, and mentally. I feel that the chalk outline is a two dimensional version of one’s self; the white they are wearing is giving it dimension. That being said, regardless of whether it’s mental health or physical health, they have a pill for it and they often leave you

You are so much of a reason I smile watching reactions. It warms my heart that you truly feel the music like I do. We're all going through it together ❤️ If you loved this.. Definitely do Ren x Chinchilla - How To Be Me (live). If you haven't already, of course.

This does get to a person. Lighten it up a bit and listen to Losing It. I love that song and I'm not really a fan of rap. It's more hip hop though, so maybe that's why I like it? Great reaction!

Great Rxn! Love your transparency bro! ❤

Bless. Feel the same when I hear Ren

Totally off subject but rinse and gargle with one part peroxide and 3 parts water several times a day, and your infection will go away without antibiotics. Hope you feel better.

It's ok my dude. Crying is a manly thing. It happens to me every time I listen to this song, and Ren and Chinchillas song How To Be Me. Let it out my brother, we're all human.

You are a beautiful man! I wish i had friends like you. This song always gets to me also. Much love ❤️ 😊

But you cry so lovely, Chief

Go down the Ren rabbit hole... It's amazing!

This is my favorite Ren song 💗😭😊

As long as I hear amazing beautiful heartfelt music like Ren `s one and see empathetic reactions like yours I still believe in human mankind. Stay real, all the best for you...

I've seen this 50 times. The emotions hit every time.

I only know you from a couple videos, and I like what you do, how sincere you are. You may already know it, but you should listen to NF's Just like you, that's an audio video, but I think it may touch you and cheer you up (hopefully)

My new favourite hobby is watching you try and hold it together while reacting to Ren videos 😂

I know exactly what you mean brother I've been in rehab for 7 years and I'm not confident I'm okay.

I like you sooo much. You have the biggest heart. I’m happy to have found you ❤

This song's emotions hit hard. It'd be good to shake up the energy with his rap Bittersweet Symphony (verve retake) Hunger, Power, Genesis, 3 parts of Love Music and his Big Push covers that are super uplifting - I shot the sherif/road to zion/hip hop and War Pigs, Bongo Bong (Manu Chao cover) - you'll be dancing by the end of it!

Alright chief, I know you just had an emotional ride with this one, but I just listened to his song Crutch from 6 years ago and holy fcking shit. Honestly, I thought I was prepared for the ride it would take me on. I was NOT lol. Would love to have you react to it, and i would say be prepared, but now I don't think that's possible when it comes to Ren lol. Cheers!

Chief I'm back to WATCH it again

Ghost writer ,ghost buster is Rens next line

I wanted to simply just say that I think that you are probably one of the most beautifully minded men that I have had the pleasure of ever coming across in my life...and to ask that you never change or apologize for your honest reactions. Music has saved my life countless times and to this day has and ALWAYS will be my therapist. Please, stay the way you are, and don't apologize. It's beautiful...

I'm a 60 year old guy who's recently discovered Ren, and he's had me bawling many, many times watching his videos... This one in particular hit me hard, the chalk outlines to me, means that when you take anti-depressants, you lose who you are, and just become a chalk outline of yourself, and also the line "you erase yourself in a chalk outline" is self explanatory in this context.... it's perfect

You're probably my favorite reactor even thought I have only been watching you since you reacted to "Hi Ren" about a month ago now. You're so down to earth and very kind person and you know what relatable is. I know this song relates to me sooo much because I have been taking medication since I was about 8 or 9 years old now and I'm going to be 35 here in May. Been taking Sertraline which he talks about in this song which is a generic version of Zoloft. I feel like this song so many days out of the week than I'm okay with. So I just wanted to thank you for your reaction, also wanted to say you are a version handsome person too. Thank you, sincerely Jay.

I found it helpful to hear Genesis and The Hunger after so much sadness, to see Ren happier and healthier and rapping like a beast. He makes great beats, and is as smooth as the best while still dropping heavy thoughts. Highly recommended.

If it gives any comfort, this song had the same affect on me. The words struck a chord and brought tears to my eyes too. That's the power of real music. Ren continues to amaze me with his vulnerability and truthfulness. He's been my find of 2023. I don't think we've had anyone quite like him before. I hope his music reaches far and wide.

I started to crumble at "...In the gallows, I balanced on my toes So I can breathe." Trying so hard to just keep your head above water - struggling for every breath. Really hits home. "Walking around in a floating chalk outline.". The pills making you feel numb to your surroundings, more dead than alive. A lot of us can relate to much of this - hearing those familiar feelings communicated in art is cathartic.

From one metal head to another, and im 50 years old and have been a metal head since i was about 12 or 13, and i feel the same about ren. I just discovered him less than a month ago and i cant stop watch every reaction videos to rens songs. He has the creative power to touch all our hearts and minds and souls no mattet what style or genre we prefer or whatever. His shit makes me cry and laugh and every emotion in between. A true artist. His stuff touches resl people cuz hes real people. And thanks to you and other reaction videos we can join our real human emotions to yours by watching how you react. Im 50. Im covered in tats. Im a metal head. And i cried seeing you react to the emotion of the song. Thanks bro.

"In the gallows I'm balanced on my toes so I can breathe" is the line that knocks me flat. Please don't apologize for being emotional. Ren has exposed all his raw nerve endings. Responding to that in an equally raw, emotional way is fitting and honest, and incredibly cathartic. I love how many conversations about mental health have been instigated by his music.

My husband passed away almost 3 years ago. We were married for over 33 years. Ren and his community of wonderfully diverse and incredibly bright people are helping to bring me out of this shattered lonely world. Please continue to react Ren's music, so all of us can heal, even just a bit. ❤❤

Awww you weren't alone.. Just know we were all tearing up too!😢 It was a very heartfelt reaction->ain't nothing wrong with that! Peace and love always until there is no more!😊❤

Hooray! You are back with Ren! We missed you.

Hi....PLEASE also listen to REN & Bibi ~CRUTCH ....absolutely phenomenal song ! Blessings

no new (to me) artist has affected me this strongly since radiohead or tool in the 90s, maybe even nirvana when i was in high school, and i never felt this degree of immediate emotional connection even back then. as much hype as ren has received since hi ren debuted, it's still not enough.

Watching Ren reactions, I feel like a grief tourist. I know when I watch certain reactions (such as yours), I'm gonna get pure emotional catharsis. As far as reactors who are 100% true to the way they feel and don't posture or hold back... you're the realest one.

You should hear your own voice through my head phones!!! Tiss fantastic 😊

Man. really appreciate your realness and honesty. Best reaction to this song I’ve seen

Your emotion to the music is a part of what endears us to you. It shows that you don’t just listen to the music you feel it and that is what we all want from our musical experiences. Great to see you back and to be strong enough to not fear having emotion

Mayor of Whoville. Too funny. Love it! I appreciate your sensitive reaction. I actually sent it to a friend struggling with the same thing to let him know he's not alone. Thank you!

Watch 'Losing It' for a bit of light relief. Or 'What You Want'. Hey mate, I'm in tears every bloody time I listen to this

Good to see you back Chief. Wondered where you went! It's worth checking out Ren X Chinchilla 'How to be me' (Live). It is beautiful, haunting and sad. It relates to Chalk Outlines and you might need some tissues handy. I did and I'm 58yrs old and thought that music had lost it ability to reach out and touch us in a visceral sense. Ren, his former band The Big Push, and his collabs with Chinchilla, Sam Tompkins, Eden Nash etc have reinvigorated my enthusiasm and hope for the music scene for the future.

I recently saw your " " H i R E N " " reaction . Loved it . --- Chief . You . . . eventually . . . . . . now . . . reacting to " " Chalk Outline " " . I ' m sooooo thankfully glad . . . and . . . glad - that you liked it .