Ren x Chinchilla: Chalk Outlines [Reaction] - A Beautifully Tragic Metaphor 

You, sir, should be a college professor teaching literature or art appreciation. On second thought, I am glad you are on you tube instead so I can be in your class. I am as astounded by the insight and clarity you bring to your analysis as I am by Ren and his art. Where did he come from, and where did you come from? You are both giving me hope for humanity. This is the best little corner of the internet right now.

Ok, who are you? Where did you come from? Why have I never been recommended you before? You’re the second reactor I’ve found under 1k subs who has been lost in this sea of mediocre channels. You should not be part of that sea. Amazing analysis. High quality production. Respectful of the artist and the art. Easiest sub I’ve ever given.

What an unfortunate time to discover this analysis. I loved this song before but here I am laying in bed feeling nauseous and dizzy because I didn’t make it to the pharmacy last night, waiting on my husband to come back with my antidepressants… now I’m ugly crying over this amazing song and analysis. Thank you so much for deepening my appreciation of this

My god why aren’t your reactions more popular? I’ve watched an unholy amount of Ren reactions and yours are some of my favorite by far. You got yourself a sub friend!

Ooooh good insight on the hook being the pop, surface happiness of the experience! I know for sure Ren did that on purpose. Brilliant.

Everything you said during this reaction was so absolutely true. This is a hauntingly beautiful song about such a potentially insidious subject matter. Once you're caught in that vicious cycle that allows you to keep existing, but prevents you from actually living, it's almost next to impossible to escape it. Wise words from both yourself as reactor, and Ren & Chinchilla during their excellent performance. It's a fact that, now more than ever, there does indeed seem to be a pill available for everything, but the most bitter pill to swallow is when the realisation hits home that taking that first offered medication was the biggest mistake you could have made, & now you have to face (and battle) the ramifications of that decision.

To me this song feels like a person floating on the edge of suicide, trying to convince themselves to stay alive one more day. Weary of the battle, yet not quite ready to give in (they can trace or erase themselves in chalk outlines). Chinchilla's part is a desperate, pleading, urgent call to resist the urge and push it back down one more time. "Such a perfect day, take it just in case" (stay alive one more day), "such a perfect day, it's a beautiful shame" (to end it). Really appreciate your takes on Ren's music. Most insightful reaction vids out there.

Last couple days, when I'm concentrating at work, I find myself singing "oh my my oh my my" which is unusual for me on account of the fact, I can't sing.

Great breakdown. At the end she says “erase ourselves”

Damn, your reaction definitely gives the respect this song deserves! Thanks for explaining a lot of things I've missed.

Truly love your thinking. As a former pharmacist, Diazepam is a must for you to react to. Perfect depiction of the drug. And Ren and Chinchilla have another original together which has me hooked even more:' How to be me'. I also really love Heretic, and if you need a positive break, still about mental Health, try Humble. And Genesis.

The depth of your feeling and depth of analysis and the way you reply to everyone who comments...Beautiful!

Not just in the back of your mind but also those that prescribe the meds advise against stopping if you feel better.

Keep talking, you sir are helping people as much as ren. Thank you. Brilliant.❤

Dude, I just found you because I'm looking at a shit ton of Ren reactions. I've never noticed till now that this, like HI Ren, is an inner battle. Ren is "it's ok, I do this but this is how I get by. Chinchilla is the inner voice that is desperately trying to tell him to get help. And they are both saying the exact same words, but it's the delivery that separates what they are saying. This dude is a genius.

Wow, I’m as impressed with your reaction/analysis to Rens music as I am with Ren. Ren was/ is still dealing with Lyme disease which for many years went undiagnosed. His journey dealing with an undiagnosed conditioned that caused chronic pain led to depression even psychosis and often that’s all his doctors saw -the mental issues he had and not the debilitating disease he had for many years. At least that’s what I’ve read about him. I might add that prescribed medication for depression, PTSD or other mental heath issues often helps many people. And one does not become a ghost of oneself if it is determined medication is needed and is then dosed correctly, monitored,and prescribed by a mental health professional. Meds when combined with therapy is the best route for some dealing with chronic mental health issues. And there are many more natural methods being trialed for mental illness such as psychedelics. Do I think psyche meds are over- prescribed, yes I do. But they are necessary and beneficial for some. Many people are already hesitant to ask for help and wouldn’t want anyone to not ask for help being fearful of becoming a “chalk outline”.

I bow down to you sir! You so totally get it, this is beautiful , they sound so good together too. I'm so looking forward to seeing more reactions to Ren, he is multi faceted and every side is equally but differently beautiful 💕

These two are exquisite together such a heartfelt raw emotional performance. So powerful! ❤ I recommend How To Be Me by Ren and Chinchilla also hauntingly beautiful

Great in depth reaction!

great reaction

I said it before but man I enjoy your reaction so so much. I have watched a few reaction channels but I always come back to this one because I find beauty in the way you put things into words. Aprreciate it man.

Incredible analysis, your interpretation was brilliant and extremely insightful, emotional, rational and very touching. It is this ability that shows what actual self/outside awareness and empathy is, and those are the most important traits a person can have, that help the most people and ourselves. To be aware of these battles, to interpret someone else's and our own, this is the work we have to do with ourselves, we all have those habits to push it down, most of us are unaware of them, and if you can see them, if you can feel them, you can start doing the work of what works for you, who you are, who you want to be, and there, in that process, are the answers. No it doesn't solve it, but that process, is the best we can do, cause it's ever changing. Thank you for your reaction and interpretation, I really hope more people see this video and talk about all of this, we should, we can help each other and ourselves, even in that feeling of being in the gallows (where I spend most of my days), there are some (a lot of) things we can do. Much love for this, and thank you, on behalf of everyone

His art is like a lighting bolt straight to the soul. I just love it!

This was FANTASTIC. I've seen this video many times and you picked up on so much that I missed, I really enjoyed going on that journey with you and also your emotional vulnerability with how it affects you. Really looking forward to seeing more from you, you deserve so many more subs.

i have listen to this so many times and still there are things i missed... i believed you had the perfect interpretation of the song..thanks for that.!

Very nice breakdown. When you have gone through Ren's catalog, I'd LOVE to see your brain melt breaking down the double and triple entendres in Pete and Bas' work. Sindhu Sesh to start with.

Once again, you’ve added more than 2x value to this song for me :) Thanks!!!!!

I've watched a lot of Ren's songs in the past 2 weeks. But this is the song that haunts me - it keeps playing over and over in my head, out of nowhere, day and night

Blimey fella! Excellent reaction that was forensic in it's depth. You just got a sub from me. I'm not going to give any spoliers as to what this song is actually about, so I urge you to watch Ren x Chinchilla How to be me, (Live) as can be seen as a continuation of this song, and as a standalone song, it too, is beautiful, haunting and sad. Join us down the rabbit hole. Buckle up, it's a wild ride!!

Loved how you broke that right down bit by bit I’ve listened to it a few times but you’ve made me understand it so much better than i originally knew. Brilliant. Earned a sub from me.

Please please keep going down the rabbit hole of Ren's artistry and keep reacting to it, your breakdowns are amazing! Every single song you will find Ren has made is an absolute masterpiece

My favourite song and my favourite reactor. Another gold star, sir! You capture the haunting beauty of this masterpiece of a song so well. Are you going to tell us who you are, what you do and how you came to be so erudite, articulate and intelligent?! 😀 When I did my English degree at University, I wish I had had a lecturer like you. More Ren please! @RenMakesMusic - you should watch this.

Really insightful reaction. More Ren please!! The trilogy!!

Respect for this reaction!

This is hands down the best reaction to this song that I've so far seen. Superb job.

This was an amazing break down.

Fantastic reaction x

If you like this have a listen to "Ren X Chinchilla - How To Be Me (live)" another amazing duet!

With autoimmune diseases you never know how you are going to be,you just hope for a human feeling day.

What a commentary on the lyrics, incredible!!! This is such a great song with 2 incredible artists

You are so validating for me to watch. The words you’re saying are EXACTLY, like the exact thoughts I have when listening to this and all the other songs I’ve watched you break down. I so deeply appreciate your appreciation for just how hauntingly beautiful and powerful this is. Love love love your reactions and being able to share all my thoughts and feelings and passion for beautiful music 🤍

Beautiful and amazingly thoughtful reaction!

Another great breakdown! I'm on board as you explore more of this immense talent and skill in song-craft! Ren is mind blowing.

I 💯 agree, I also think this is about his physical pain, taking meds to function. Having good days and always knowing in the back of your mind that your body will fail you again. I'm pretty sure this was written before he started treatment in Canada. Once again beautiful breakdown and much love from TX!

Beautiful song and reaction.

Wow! Another amazing reaction going into so many little things I didn't even know about in this song. Very interesting take on the "Take it just in case". I've seen it both ways as taking the pill or as just taking one more day and enjoying the beauty of it. Great analysis!

Last line. Erase ourselves in a chalk outline.

I can't wrap my head around how well thought out everything Ren says and does is. Every little detail in every corner of his environment is on purpose- from the way the lights behave to the grime on the walls. His costume, his words, his tone... the amount of artistic design he has to represent every breath he takes is beyond me. I'm still so impressed by how you can see it all and articulate it in a way we can all understand and appreciate. It helps bring his art more to life to people like me who might miss these details. For example- in Screech's Tale- he starts off on stairs. With the light above him, he descends down the steps into Screech's chaos, fear, and confusion- away from the light and into the darkness. I never would've seen that symbolism if it weren't for more insightful minds. How can a man see stairs in the night and think to himself, "I want that to represent this." I never understood the minds of artists. How they can see their ideas unfold before them in real time out of "nothing" has always left me in awe. Even you have the mind of an artist. You can see every brush stroke. I also noticed for myself in Jenny and Screech's Tales that he also works with the graffiti on the street. When Jenny's life is ended, there's a piece of art over Ren's right shoulder of a shadowed girl on a swing... "she found her escape. She's free." When Screech's life is ended by the officer, over Ren's left shoulder is a silhouette of a broad-shouldered figure. This feels like it represents the towering 6'3" Officer Richard. In the beginning, the backdrop is psychedelic art involving Cannabis- the very thing that sent Screech over the edge... It's magic. Everything he lays his eyes on is used to tell his stories.

That chair slamming open triggers my startle response every time too lol

The dark ending allows us to see our own reflection in the screen.. it’s quite confronting and uncomfortable and it’s important to work out why that’s uncomfortable (not for everyone, but certainly for me!) ❤

Another take on the "Hope I'm someone else in the morning" is that if you feel empty and not yourself because of the pills you're taking, you're hoping that in the morning you're your real self again, and not the numbed down version of yourself that the meds are creating.

Like many, I have been riding the Ren reaction train. For days now, I am watching everything can. I just had to stop and post a comment. Nobody has analyzed and broken down Ren like you have. Your observations are so insightful. I just wanted to say thank you and let you know you are killing it with these reactions. Thank you.

Ok I've listened to this wonderful song a fair few times now. My best take on the 'floating chalk outlines' line was that the medication you're taking would make you seem halfway to death - you're walking around but not really reacting to the world like when you're feeling 'normal' and unmedicated. Akin to Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb (to date me somewhat). First time hearing you're alternative take on 'chalk outline' being that you look ok on the outside but are feeling empty on the inside, which also links to the later line of having a great big smile. Just as descriptive from a different viewpoint, love it. 👍

I’ve never seen your reactions before, but you’re the best I’ve ever seen. I feel like I’m sitting in my favorite professor’s English Lit class back in college. I’m ready to watch every single reaction you’ve ever done. My newest ADHD hyperfocus has just been unlocked. You’re amazing! THANK YOU for being amazing.

That was the best analysis/commentary I've seen of this song so far. Very insightful. Thank you, Sir.

After the "jump scare" with the chair when he's walking back with the guitar in hand, you can hear the pills in a bottle in his pocket. No one seems to notice this.

Hi Ren is in Canada in hospital his stay was only meant to be a couple of months but he has now been told it will be more than 6 months . Not substance abuse its Lymes disease, autoimmune disease and PTSD.

Dude, great analysis. Been through it but 15 years ago. This brought back the memories but I don’t know how he put it on paper.

Loved your interpretation. This song is too deep as it touches the nerve in my core. Check out his song Crutch. Thank you for sharing this rare talent from both these artists. Speechless🙏🏽✌🏽

I got the “great big smile” was sarcasm because he’s tired of pretending. And at the end Ren was erased first.

Only just found your channel through kujo beat down, can’t believe I’ve never seen it before, one of the best reactors I’ve come across !

Got recommended you today for Kujo Beatdown, so glad I did. Had to check out one of my faves with you. … Perhaps the best analysis of the lyrics I’ve seen. Amazing. ❤❤❤

Hey again, My friend you never cease to amaze me with your reactions. your breakdown between medication or substance abuse was the best I've heard so far. Also the "Great big smile" part where you start talking about this human experience of sorrow and pain is surreal and grounding.

My own 'outline' is the distance between my symptoms and relief from my medication. Some days, all I can feel are the side-effects, other days my meds don't seem to do anything at all and the symptoms 'take over' for a day or so.

Thank you! Thank you for your amazing analysis, perceptions, and breakdown. I was in awe, watching your reaction to Hi Ren. Which, by the way, was off the charts. I found Ren by chance in my news feed. I guess you'd call it. And 'having been there, done that' myself, he made me feel all the feels, again. Not in a bad way, perhaps a sad way. Because of all the misconceptions and misdiagnosis still going on today. And the poor souls that suffer because of it. I get it 100%. The way you bring profound awareness to his content and break things down, to those who may not be truly 'conscious' and are just along for the ride with his stupendous musical, lyrical and creative abilities, leave me speechless. Jaw hits floor, light bulb on, YES, yes he gets it. It's not just a 'reaction'. This 60 yr old Metal head is thrilled to have found Ren and you. Easiest thumbs up in a while. To both of you. And a new sub. Have a fabulous day.

Thanks for replying to me from Hi Ren. You said you said you were a teacher, I ask a teacher of what. Your insight, philosophy is astounding for a reactor. I am 66 and have had mental illness and put in care from 7 years old, addictions and homelessness and survivor from people who abused me, I survived but so much so I was Tazered and locked up in a Hospital at 56, I share with people I meet so as to hopefully help. I relate so much to Ren but you make me understand more of what he is saying than I initially understood. I thank you for your explanation so as a layman I may understand a deeper meaning.

They give you prescriptions that lead to addictions and their solutions are always another prescription. You'll never find a version of you that is pure when the profit's in treatment not in the cure.

You heard "oh my my" when I heard "oh mama" which would play on the chalk outlines you would have your parent draw when you lay on the ground.

This might be the record for the fastest person to subscribe lol. This was a beautiful reaction and I truly connect with this song and comment section. I get so tired from standing on the precipice, walking the thin line between deep depression and mania. It's nice to know I'm not alone on that cliff. Thank you for making this video.

This is probably the most brilliant reaction/analysis I've ever heard, of any song, ever. Another masterpiece written by Ren, his and Chinchilla's voices meld together so beautifully, and they take us along for this haunting, melancholy, beautiful ride.

One of the best reactions/analysis of this wonderful sad song😢💗💗💗

What an absolute great dive into this song! You really did it justice! Many others have failed in their reactions.... just doing it for the clicks & likes! Nice one! Much love from England! Cheers!

It isn’t often that I run into a true empath. You sir ARE. I will say this: One of the things that has me hooked on Ren, is he has an uncanny ability to make you FEEL it. He is a true master of getting a point across.

i hear the clinicians saying 'take another pill'-i'm there right now.

Came here for Ren, subscribing for you.

I see you with the Groundhog Day reference in your intro 🙌

I seen many reactions for this song and yours was the only accurate break down of what it was meant to be. I am not a reactions person, just came here for the hope for any accuracy, but I'll follow your channel, waiting more deconstructions like this rather than just shallow reactions. Keep up the good work mate!

I've watched 100s of reactions to this song and both Ren and Chinchilla and you sir are by far one of my favorites! Thank you for your time and breakdown! ❤ you deserve way more recognition!

I have to say that you are incredibly astute. You pick up on such varied and subtle details.

You deserve far more subscribers than you currently have. I've checked that box, a thank you in a very small way for brilliant analysis of an artist who would love your take on him.

LOVE that I found you. RENaissance. Great explanation. You certainly pointed out more than any other one I’ve seen. Thank you. #sickboi RENegades!!! I liked and sub!!!

Another outstanding & detailed breakdown of (if I had to choose) my favourite track from his vast catalogue. (You will likely also love the very haunting "How to be Me" also with Chinchilla - written by Ren after the suicide of his best friend.) I know you will have many Ren fans/reaction junkies subscribing to your channel - birds of a feather flock togetheras they say and his Community are each a lovely, lovely bunch of souls who have an affinity with lovely souls such as Ren, and I nclude you here now too. I hope your students appreciate what a phenomenal teacher you are - I have a feeling you're like those rare Teachers we see that in 20 or 30 years' time, your former students might gather together to present you with a "lifetime" award & to show the result of the impact and inspiration your teaching and wisdom gave them and where they are now because of You... I'm just glad you've also chosen to share your perception & insights on RU-vid so they're not just confined to those lucky enough to be in your classroom.

Thank you so much I finally fully understand this & in turn I have an insight in to a subject that I thought I understood academically but not that living/ lived experience.

You should have way more subs. thats redicilous. You are emphatic and insightfull, spot on. Keep doing what you doing, your doing great!

Thank you so much!

Absolutely love your reaction. I'm definitely a new fan. Thank you for this... Can't wait to watch more!

I'm so happy that I finally found your channel. After listening to so many reactors, many of whom does not have a clue about the meaning of the song, and some who maybe get part of it but totally misunderstand other things, to finally find you who are able to put words to the things I felt when listening to the song. Everything you say makes sense and matches my own understanding. I really like this song. And you described why.

Enjoyed watching your in-depth analysis of this song! Most people miss all of those details and metaphors.

What an amazingly thoughtful, insightful, passionate reaction. Absolutely loved this.

Hands down the best breakdown I have seen. You got a new subscriber and my respect! Keep up the fantastic work m8

Spot on, Spot on. Having been in a situation at some point in my life, I assure you it's frustrating and exhausting. Because you go out to seek help and you're going from therapist to therapist till you find someone who gives a damn, and then you start medication because your brain chemistry is all fucked up and just therapy won't cut it. And then you have to find the right drug and the right dose that fits your metabolism. Pass through the first period in which the drug fucks you up to feel just a little bit better while feeling stoned most of the time. And when the better days come along you cannot just drop the medication, you have to do it gradually so it won't fuck you up even worse. And between all that you have to take more medication just to soften the side effects of the first drug. Fucking nightmare. Still we go on and struggle, day in day out.

Geez what a great and thorough analysis

Epic reaction...ty for supporting their music. Hauntingly beautiful.❤👍🔥🔥

Wow!!! your breakdown has hit me hard. ....those of you who know, know. I love this song but you really helped to feel it and understand why I love it so much.

Your reaction videos are the best on RU-vid.

Godly analysis, kudos.

The best reaction ever

Thank you so much you talked all my emotions out so perfectly thank you

Wow, great again by you obviously

Love being a new subscriber