Bo Burnham - Reaction - Art Is Dead

[@lenaelisabeth]

I think he was 19 when he made this. This song touched me so deeply, I even learned piano to play it but Bo thinks it's just alright. In an interview he once described it as "cute" lol

[@SuffiReax]

That is crazy how heavily he downplays his own work. I understand being humble about it but haha I feel like he is next level

[@lenaelisabeth]

@@SuffiReax yeah I agree, if is helps in the same interview he did say he liked his Kanye Rant although I don't know if you've seen it.

[@sophiedash4026]

If you haven't seen his Green Room performance, check it out. I don't want to spoil it, but I will just say his use of "cute" in reference to this song was a quote. Watch to the end. 😉

[@sagitswag1785]

Thats pretty normal for an artist in my experience. Your old work is never as good as what you are currently working on, since you grow as an artist in between your pieces

[@saucyboi7789]

Damn

[@monodescarado]

It’s so interesting/painful seeing how this level of self-awareness turns into panic attacks, the Kanye Rant and then the internal anguish that is Inside. Next recommendations: - We Think We Know You - From God’s Perspective - Left Brain, Right Brain - Maybe just all of ‘What’… if you can stand there that long! :)

[@andrew348]

You do know Bo didn't actually sleep in that room right? Inside is not to be taken totally literally.

[@rafaelmassoni9292]

@@andrew348 Methaphorically inside IS an internal anguish... i don´t think Marks comment meant that Bo stayed actually inside but every bit of the special is a self awareness insight proccess of his mind. He is inside The Wall (if i am allowed to reference pink floyd as a methaphor) and trying to break every brick in every song, the second to last song(right before the credits) makes that clear with all the returning lines from previous songs. Art is dead(and many of his songs from the pre-hiatus era) is him just planting a seed, letting us know (and letting him know in the process) how he feels about himself regarding the fame, the attention, the outside.

[@monodescarado]

@@andrew348 ​I do and I didn't say he did. Inside is a work of art that mirrors the anguish of society today during a pandemic that claimed millions of lives and kept many of us locked up for months. It's also the culmination of where Burnham came from and further shows the inner turmoil Burnham has wrestled with regarding fame and his place in this world. This is a man who has been telling us for a decade that he despises himself and the industry he works in. He hasn't hidden it. So when he looks into the camera and tells you he wants to kill himself... even if it's not true in that second (because it's scripted for the special), that's not to say he likely hasn't considered it a number of times. That's not to say that many people who have been going through hard times recently haven't also considered it. Inside is full of internal anguish.. .just like I said. Both his, and ours.

[@bringinthedope5929]

@@rafaelmassoni9292 yup. As an artist i love a good metaphor and theme. Though I do recall a random podcast entertaining the idea that bo Burnham may not be really dealing with this or that this special may be less personal than one would think. Ultimately though I think bo is putting his inner conflicts on display. But if it was "faked" or "staged/impersonal", Do you think that would take away from the brilliance of his work?

[@rafaelmassoni9292]

@@bringinthedope5929 Not at all, if anything it may make it even more impressive him not going through all this and being able to resonate so much with the ones that are having these troubles

[@sarahweiner9570]

I really feel like you’ll connect with the message of We Think We Know You, and it’s one of his most engaging and beautiful performances.

[@carley3986]

Yes it truly is beautiful

[@murtletheturtle4375]

I agree

[@lucascyr98]

The really interesting thing is that this opinion on himself and comedians in general is one of the only things that holds true between his on-stage persona and the actual person, Bo Burnham. He's done interviews on late-night TV shows where he's been asked questions like "what would you say to your younger fans who aspire to be someone like you?" immediately, every time he's asked something like that, he says something along the lines of; "No. Please don't do it. I'm a one-in-a-million 'success' if you want to call it that. Hundreds of other people I've known have ruined their livelihoods in the pursuit of fame that just didn't work out" So, it seems clear to me that he really believes in this particular topic enough to make the point evident in his shows even if it's not exactly consistent with his "character".

[@BryceLK]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p16tmHpmeqijaLc I'm sure this is the interview you're referring to and I think you got something completely different out of it. This whole comments section could stand to remember a certain song a bit more often.. "We think" "We know" "You"

[@lucascyr98]

@@BryceLK the interview and comments literally just make the exact same point I just summarized... So, what exactly did I get wrong here?..

[@BryceLK]

@@lucascyr98 He's attributing his success to luck, and Conan seconds that. Your entire comment and relating it to this song implies that there's some deeper meaning about the evils of fame or something. Drawing a line between his onstage persona and the real him by jokes about a lottery winner telling you to invest in Powerball tickets? 🤔

[@lucascyr98]

@@BryceLK still not sure what your complaint is. You said, in a longer form, exactly what I said. The only difference being that I absolutely do think there's a deeper meaning to almost all of his more recent ("What" and beyond) famous bits such as Art Is Dead, (especially) Can't Handle This, Make Happy, and the entirety of "Inside".

[@afternoontaee]

he started performing this before he graduated high school. so he really was just a kid. if you want something a bit less depressing but still intellectually engaging, ‘left brain right brain’ is really creative and super fun. but honestly i’d recommend *any* of his work. and definitely check out the rest of ‘inside’!!

[@sovereignshad0w]

Would love to see your reaction and analysis to Bo's "From God's Perspective." video.

[@juanelganame7781]

Yes, this one please, and "We think we know you"

[@Nope-ln4yj]

I like how this guy actually reacts to the content and tries to find a message in the songs he analyzes and not just does "hahahaha so good" video end, so "we think we know you" might fit better than "from god's perspective" xD

[@wheresmybonejuice5524]

THIS ONE

[@faqgougle7641]

The line Carlin rolls in his grave is him rolling in response to the modern state of the entertainment industry, or standup more particularly, I don't think the implication was that Carlin would be rolling in his grave in response to this song of Bo's specifically.

[@MayurUPatel]

nailed it! was just about to comment this.

[@DetroitNickel]

Bo Burnham - Rant It's a must!

[@anas.8276]

He was 19/20 during that i think, he's 30 now I love your reactions so much. It would be so great if you reacted to the full inside special, you could probably do it on your Patreon

[@SuffiReax]

I was looking into reacting to it but it is only available on Netflix right? I don't think I can screen record Netflix. I tried reacting to something off Disney Plus one time and the whole recording was just black cause it get blocked and I think Netflix is the same.

[@anas.8276]

@@SuffiReax I've seen other reaction channels do Netflix/Disney/etc stuff, but idk how kqhdjwd but some of them, when reacting to full movies/shows, just put the time stamp on the screen so we can sync it with the footage ourselves, you could do it that way, it's good cause there no copyright infringement doing like that

[@bakuhakudraws5603]

@@SuffiReax If you're using OBS, I think it would be done through recording a display or a screen region instead of recording a window? There's probably a thing on Netflix, Disney, Amazon, etc.'s website that detects when a program like OBS is targeting it and screw with the signal it picks up. I haven't tested it myself, but I *think* that they wouldn't be able to do anything about OBS just picking up what appears on your screen without regard for which specific window it is.

[@AngelicRamen]

When he performed this in the green room surrounded by comics he changes "because I wanted my name in lights" on the FLY to "because we wanted our names in lights."

[@scottpage9917]

It's refreshing to see someone react to Bo and understand his message in a song right away. Most people miss the point in his song

[@ladyjinyxx]

He is the comedian that makes me cry. Yes he is funny but DAMN when you understand those lyrics the feels bro. Its not often that I hear every word in a song. His voice speaks so much more than words.

[@madisonclarke6231]

it just reminds me that he performed this infront of comedic legends and as he sang they laughed and slowly you just saw that he became more and more angry and aggressive towards them

[@hoop3r23]

What I love about Bo is he could’ve put out 8-9-10 specials by now. He could have just cashed in every chip that people would dole out but he takes his time and creates true art and puts it out on his timeframe. It’s great that he’s self aware and understands his profession is one that’s over valued but I appreciate that he really wants and tries to make his best thing before he ever debuts it. Taking 3-4-5 years between each album to date.

[@cuda1956]

I think the whole “Art is Dead” meaning also has to do with the fact that nowadays people aren’t getting into things like this for the art itself, but for the money; not just the fact that monetization is stifling the creative process. When people start making art as a means to an end and not because they love the game, they slowly kill art.

[@Ghost49590]

This is one of the only songs I have ever listened to that genuinely made me cry

[@omegawolflionvods]

I love your takes on these and your insight, I didn't expected when I first started watching you, but it's a pleasant surprise. If you want another one to do, I suggest "We Think We Know You"

[@SuffiReax]

Lol

[@lifeizmusichallenged]

I feel from the point of "Carlin rolling in his grave". I adored George Carlin. Primarily with how blunt and bringing topics to people's faces even if they never wanted to hear it in the first place. He'd bring issues no matter how small or large to audiences and make them acknowledge it was a thing. Then he passed and I felt everyone ignored the signs of our world, the issues, strife, the pain, and misery. Monetization means there's stuff you can't say, and people won't say anything now cause "oh that was Carlin's thing" or "I don't want people to hate me" When in reality someones gotta say it, you can't just ignore it forever! I feel like the fact no one heard what Carlin was trying to tell people for years, along with money makes it where no one else will speak to the blunt degree he did, is what would cause him to roll in his grave. That's how I read that line, maybe I'm wrong or just viewing it differently but it's how I saw it.

[@paulclark633]

You're the best KZbinr I've seen at analyzing Burnham's stuff, keep it up!

[@RhysShephard]

Definitely need to watch and react to 'We think we know you' you touched a point of labels getting hold of artists which is a small portion of that skit too. Plus it resonates with a lot of people in the public eye I imagine.

[@sophieceleste4771]

I can't believe 17 people disliked this video. I love your perspective. You pick up on every single thing in the song. This is what reaction is. At least in my book. Subscribed.

[@amysaysbye]

Well, it's 1am and I was just about to sleep... but that can wait This has always been one of my favorites from him, it's great to see you pausing and singling out all of the lines that made me stop and go "Holy s**t" the first time I heard it

[@rachelt7849]

You should definitely check out “eff” and “hell of a ride” they’re two of my favs and pretty underrated

[@AngeliqueJuliette]

two of my faves as well!

[@testimusicali6445]

Humble of him to have this insight BUT he's underestimating his impact.

[@SuffiReax]

Agreed

[@devoncullins3464]

I’d love to see your reaction to Left Brain Right Brain

[@carolineankerstjerne3986]

yess !!

[@chronics23]

One of my favorites!

[@HeeroAvaren]

I'm so happy all these new people are finding Bo's old stuff. He was always good.

[@preschooldxd]

How The World Works is one of my personal favorites

[@SpectreSpook]

Bo and Donald Glover are the only modern expressions of EXACTLY what Carlin wanted. It physically pains me to think that Bo thinks Carlin wouldn’t be proud.

[@KumaPaws376]

Bo Burnham is my favorite content creator/comedian and philosopher; marathoned your vids & I love your breaking down of his song’s meanings ❤️ thank you again! Been a fan of his for as long as his first vids on KZbin & his stand up specials on tv etc - He’s about humor as well as thought with deep meanings.

[@panpacifice]

I think people forget that you’re allowed to laugh at his comedy as well and not just cry haha

[@MayorBrownn]

We need “from gods perspective”

[@bringinthedope5929]

Dope ass song. By the way some of these songs have more artistic value than comedic. It's so self aware and blunt

[@MissFazzington]

I love that this song is 2 minutes long but you made a 12 minutes long video out of it. Really shows that you did understand it and appreciate it

[@rosagudny3936]

YES more Bo. He is so talented at just 19-20ish in this..

[@danielyancey6812]

Great video, one of my favorite Bo songs. He had a finger on the pulse 11 years ago, much like Carlin. They see the awfulness we were/are headed to. Thanks for recognizing his piano skills! I can’t watch him without being amazed by every single aspect of his performance.

[@bakaboi5730]

I highly recommend watching "we think we know you", it's the final song/act/part of his second special "what". It's not as straight forward as for example "can't handle this" but it's a very interesting performance.

[@Themole9]

I’d love to see your reaction to ‘lower your expectations’ it’s underrated in my opinion so not a lot of people suggest it but I think it has an important meaning

[@thisisalyssa30]

Great reaction! I love hearing your breakdowns and think you would really enjoy “how the world works” from inside

[@dreamingkw]

I am lonely so I spend my days watching people react to Bo Burnham. You are the best I have seen. Not only do you react emotionally, your commentary always feels thoughtful and intelligent. Great reaction.

[@SuffiReax]

Thank you :)

[@scott7224]

From God's Perspective is another pretty good one.

[@derpysquid-8164]

another good one is bo burnhams "rant" so much wordplay and stuff to analyze and think about.

[@Flatlinehun]

"Inside" is gonna blow your mind...

[@luigilink7568]

This was the first song i've heard of Bo, so watching you review it give me so much joy.

[@lowi_1234]

this is my favourite bo song by far, i thing from god's perspective is a good option to be the next, love your reactions

[@telepathiclollipop]

The song "Sad" is freaking incredible if you're still looking for suggestions!

[@ChestersonJack]

This is one of my favorite songs of Bo’s. It helps that I’m about the age he was when he made it. But this is a very good video. Honestly I’d consider this less of “reaction” and more of a “live analysis.” Very good videos.

[@teakettle5194]

Dude, I LOVE your content! Among all the other reactions you actually provide useful and new commentary! Thank you so muchhh

[@SuffiReax]

Glad to hear it!

[@Random-ed2xf]

I think he deserves what he has made for himself. He puts a lot into his shows that we see and probably a lot more we don't.

[@uditpatel2220]

Please do “we think we know you”!! I love how you actually delve into the meaning and I really want to see your take on that performance

[@Tribal260]

Found this channel yesterday and binged a bunch of Bo reactions. REALLY good content by you and very enjoyable to watch, keep it up

[@CriticalPrime9]

This one- well, to be fair most of Bo's songs- but this one gives me actual chills.

[@izz_0705]

You should check out 'we think we know you' 'gods perspective' and 'sad' they are super good!

[@MetalDozz]

Man, I freaking love these Bo reactions. You pick up on absolutely every snippet of the songs that make me go "wow". In particular; "My drugs attention..." Soooooooo freaking deep, watching these videos are a pleasure. You've earned yourself a new subscriber. I'd love for you to react to 'Straight White Man'. It's more comedic than the songs you've reacted to thus far but it's hilarious, the piano work is also on point. Thanks man, I appreciate you!

[@Jacubamustoff]

He was 18 here. This is a beautiful piece and his piano is astonishing.

[@idasl]

I can really recommend "We Think We Know You" - it's a masterpiece!

[@hoaxheaux]

I always appreciate your Bo reactions. It's obvious you approach his work with insight and care. Looking forward to more!

[@MalMcWil]

I'm loving the amount of thought and analysis you're putting in to these reaction videos! Keep at it! Agreeing with the other comments, From God's Perspective is another great one!

[@victoriac4317]

I have to say, your intro makes me genuinely smile every single time.

[@mastermaestru8181]

another great song from his is words words words which shows his passion for lyricism and when hes in the moment of content creation. its one of his earlier works.

[@ashleyr7332]

The way you touched on the music industry directly relates to Bo's song "Repeat Stuff" which is essentially about how the music industry, especially pop music, will Repeat stuff over and over as long as it keeps spitting out money and doing numbers. That one has a music video where Bo plays the "pop star", given your analysis here I think you would appreciate that one as well! 👍

[@FlyingWalrus]

Something I don't thing I've ever seen anyone talk about is the fact that he starts the song saying "When he grows up to be a comic or actor, he'll be rewarded for never maturing, for never understanding or learning that every day can't be about him" and ends the song saying "But I'm just a kid, I'm just a kid, I'm just a kid, kid and maybe I'll grow out of it."

[@kylelee3576]

I think one of the things that makes the Carlin line work is that Carlin was in it for the craft, not the money. I once saw Carlin for free, he was doing a free tour and booked theaters because he was working the material and didn’t know if it was ready for paying audiences yet. That’s how dedicated he was to his craft and I think that’s what Bo is connecting to from Carlin.

[@SuffiReax]

Oh wow. Yeah that is a great connection, doing it for the money vs those who don't.

[@inadvertentevil7773]

“Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge [...]" Chalres Darwin

[@real_szop4692]

bo burnham: art is dead also bo: makes one of the best art you will ever hear

[@midnightbloom2848]

This is one of the exact reasons why I love Bo Burnham. It's so relatable because I want to become a writer and graphic novelist, but my grandma would only talk about how much money I could make off of this and it would just put so much pressure on me. It ruins my creative drive and motivation. Even though it's tempting-I don't want to rush and just get money-I just want to tell a story.

[@HaraQuinn]

You should REALLY check out the Green Room version of this.. especially to see the startling difference.. his anger is ON POINT. ❤️ esp seeing how emotionally self aware this version is already. The Green Room he’s amongst comedian greats who request him to play this.. catch what he says before being asked about how little he thinks of himself.. then his face.. how he sneers at the comedians about “selfish assholes”.. kinda dispersing the weight out to all of them, too.. its heart aching.. hes only 20 then.. keep that in mind.

[@chelseainman4285]

I think some of the reason he is so disillusioned with his talent and career history is his mom works (and has for YEARS) as a hospice nurse. He talked about it on H3 podcast I think and how much he is in awe of how she helps people. I think he puts himself down in a lot of ways because he doesn't see the value in this vs what he saw every day growing up with his mom and how he may think it is a more honorable/heroic purpose

[@SuffiReax]

Oh how interesting, that definitely makes sense

[@theConquerersMama]

I came to say this very thing. I think it provides a lot of insight. And at the age he was when writing this, having so many people ask if he was going to pursue a career like medicine since he had the grades for it must have been hard.

[@TheSwede9]

I just found your channel but really enjoyed your thorough breakdown and point of view, of course this song doesn't necessarily need a bar breakdown but I enjoyed hearing your views on it. Great reaction and new sub for sure. When I heard this the very first time on that green room show I took it as a comedy bit because that was the flow of that show up until that point and this song flew right over my head. It wasn't until re-watching it I caught all the points you also pointed out, this song is deep and dark and heavy haha.

[@ellie-u2n]

Yes! I was waiting for this one. Awesome vid. :)

[@flobfm6294]

I Really appreciate your Bo Burnhams reactions. Great insight and analaysis like always !!!

[@christinedebessehoch1867]

From God’s Perspective is an incredibly poignant and beautiful song, I’d love to see what you think of that one. Great reactions!

[@genostellar]

He was around 19 or 20 when he did this. Just basing that off of him turning 30 in "Inside" and him performing this in 2010. You should react to "We Think We Know You" by Bo Burnham next.

[@urfvsuthrngal318]

Bo has a line in the song from inside "that funny feeling" about Logan Paul too .. spot on

[@shaunwhitney8102]

"My drug's attention, I am an addict, but I get paid to indulge in my habit" I think is also a nod to that life being self-destructive

[@gs12344]

all the big walls behind him are word for word the script to the show. at certain times, he’s standing in front of the words he’s currently speaking and you can see how well he memorized the whole act

[@melaniewilliams6740]

One of my favorite songs of this decade.

[@dramasquirts5790]

surprised your stuff isnt more popular. really good at breaking down lyrics

[@jesss2830]

Love your insightful reactions! I recommend "bo burnham - repeat stuff" if you're interested in reacting to more of him! He's brilliant :o

[@nightorchid5031]

Bo Burnham seems very introspective and self aware. Also just very very smart in general. Bo Burnham was 16 when his first video on KZbin went viral. It was in 2006. "My drug is attention. I am an addict. But I get paid to indulge in my habit"

[@professorfukyu744]

I agree. I'm sure Carlin both expected art to go this way and would love bo.

[@AA-xb2zm]

From the music analogy you like his song "repeat stuff" - not for reaction, but for your enjoyment.

[@kdaddy310]

I think his Green Room performance of this is actually better.

[@k-master973]

Yeah, I’m surprised no one has reacted to that version. It’s a lot more powerful in my opinion due to him being in a room full of other performers.

[@MayorBrownn]

Yeah I wish people reacted to that one because he’s singing the song to the people he’s talking about in the song

[@luigilink7568]

Ray Romano reaction is the best

[@kdaddy310]

@@luigilink7568 I love Rays face while Bo was performing!

[@kdaddy310]

@@k-master973 It was interesting to see Bo interact with them. Also unique to see the faces of the crowd while he performed.

[@glygriffe]

Thank you for mentioning his skills as a musician and singer. I love the ideas that Bo Burnham conveys, but I know nothing about music and I was wondering if he was any good as solely a music performer. And stardom might not have killed art, but it is centered on the performer, not their craft, and probably even less about their art.

[@SuffiReax]

He is a fantastic musician! That is an interesting thought though, what if he had gone into the music industry with his piano skills vs comedy.

[@sararambo3744]

Love your reactions, definitely do more Bo please !

[@samholder196]

Bo always been that dude -- even as a 14/15 yr old. True prodigy.

[@jaceeaster2246]

pls keep the bo reactions coming!!

[@SuffiReax]

You bet!

[@kanga2468]

You should check out We Think We Know You by Bo. It's an amazing piece that shows just a small glimpse into his day to day interactions after becoming famous.

[@alejandromora8764]

the "wassah Dude!" got me

[@jenniferwelch]

In 2010 he was already in contract for 2 years, now aware of the basic core of business; he's mentioned this in other songs, including the beginning of Words Words Words (also 2010) when he says "whoa I'm selling out" - No wonder he was having panic attacks; he was in a contract to create, to make money, to meet his contract. He started posting quirky ditties that went viral at age 16, then offered a contract at 18, that he took instead of attending Harvard. Then of course, after his contract was up, he quit live performance. He saw what the business is about, and calls it out often in his lyrics. Keep going down the rabbit hole of Bo please!

[@rhinestoned_lunatic]

Left Brain/Right Brain is (a little) more light hearted and quite a cool piece of showmanship!! You should add it to your list!

[@MrRagston]

I don't usually like videos, but great commentary. Deserved

[@simenkvamme3003]

Bo was 19 at the time of this song. But he hit his KZbin fame at 15, so he was just a kid when he first got a taste for fame

[@matthewgilbert9881]

I feel like his introspection really hits the current generation, in that so many of us see all of the horrible shit going on, which is constantly shoved in our faces, but we feel powerless to effect real change. When we try to change things, it feels like too little, and when we are having fun, it can feel like a selfish act. I don’t know that I’ve seen any other comedian that communicates that feeling so consistently while still being hilarious.

[@willowromack9050]

You should react to the whole inside special it’s really good and there are sections in between songs that explain how’s he thinking or feeling

[@corapettigrew9868]

He would have been around 19/20 during words.words.words which I believe is his first special. He started on KZbin very young and became popular very young so you really nailed it with the youtubers points

[@idkwhatever3990]

I found this song really interesting, especially because in that particular special (words, words, words) he played that song after he did a kinda offensive 9/11 joke and people pulled back a bit, I remember some people like screaming (it's been a while since I saw it, I don't remember well) and stuff. I felt really bad for him there, but is still kinda interesting. Maybe he also felt back and it was an apology or he just did it to win them back. Anyway, amazing song.

[@macattack445]

loving the bo burnham vids mate! keep them up :)

[@birdbonezone]

you should watch art is dead performed in the green room or something like that, it's another level

[@ovidonnelly9167]

There are so many things that make this song so impactful but one lyric (and its delivery) always gets to me, because he sings "I am an artist, please God forgive me," as an atheist/agnostic who grew up, like so many of us did, being taught that we're supposed to fear God. It's just so powerful, because there are so many people in the world who grow away from their religion but in our darkest spirals of self-hatred or despair or existentialism we beg for the forgiveness or understanding of something we don't even fully believe in anymore. It goes to show some of that lasting damage that it causes to be taught we're inherently sinful, and I think it fits incredibly well in a song that talks about such intense self-loathing, and covers topics like wealth disparities and the monetization of someone's suffering (or lack thereof).

[@donaldpaulson3920]

Lol I'm Bo yo, should listen to that, from back at his beginning on KZbin and when he blew up. He can rap too

[@AngeliqueJuliette]

He was 19 when that special was recorded.