My most DIVISIVE Reaction yet !!! Therapist REACTION to Ren Masochist

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Edit 2: Reflecting even further I wonder if I went for more a somewhat lighthearted/comedic approach as my own way of dealing with his pain in this song and just how difficult and dark this track was! Edit: I can see people not agreeing with my approach with this one (to the extent of unsubscribing) - let me know if you think I am being unsensitive here as I will use this as a learning opportunity if needed. Some conflict in myself here around a sick beat, some clever word play but knowing he was probably going through some difficult times when he wrote this and the pain he would have been in. Hope he doesn't mind me taking a rather light hearted approach to this one!

[@Discobiscuit372]

Not a fan of this song but can I recommend another one just for you….it’s called Do You Believe by Ren, it’s an unreleased song from 7 years ago and like a lot of his songs it’s about his mental and physical health that I know is of particular interest to you as a therapist.

[@sourcebased]

Great reaction! Grown up people taking words like these all literal make me so sad. The map is not the territory! Psychology is also a lot about integrating the shadow, making the dark sides of the personality conscious. Repression is what makes it dangerous. Ren is playing with this Tarantino style and the meaning of the song is very metaphorical and Ren venting aggression after a bad day at the same time. In the end it is about how trying to get rid of all attachments can be a very masochistic endeavour if pursued aggressively. At least that’s how I get it.

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Just added to my list, thanks

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Tarantino style is a great way to put it. I guess from my perspective as a therapist who has RFT as the underlying theory (a theory that has language and the meanings we derive from words at its heart) I can distance myself from the words themselves and their content and pay more attention to the context. But then again peoples experience are their experience (thinking about the listener here) and if my reaction offends people then that is truly not my objective.

[@raymondduncil5786]

The "unsubscribers" are dealing with their own sh!t. Sometimes it's just music,not meant to have so much read into it. Have a great day good sir. I will subscribe to help counterbalance 😂

[@marzipanmenthol]

Another reactor said something abt this song that boiled down to: "if you've never been in this state of mind, you probably won't understand this song- but try to understand that you are _massivley_ blessed" I see this as nothing more than wordsmithing. Hes a masochist because he wants to tear down everything that could ever help him-living with chronic (physical or mental) pain puts you in this state where sometimes it feels like the only way to get away from the pain is to burn everything down. This is a song about a certain kind of pain. If you're offended- I'd wonder if you've not felt it

[@markwilson7013]

A lot of people lost their shit when they heard this...yet the therapist is vibing out to it 😂 He gets it 👍

[@markwilson7013]

Btw, totally agree

[@inuchan74]

Right! I love it! Able to appreciate the art of the music and also understand where the darkness is coming from

[@Emanuel-hh4uu]

​​@@inuchan74Lot's of people's make the artist's they like "idols" that can't do anything like this or they "got off the rails". No, this is actually human, this is a human being probably in a very bad day just having the most self destructive thoughts that could be, *and airing them out. I don't see this song as being negative for the sake of it, I see it as being real with the darkest thoughts that every one of us sometimes have. I do see why it can be triggering or sensitive to some people, it's not for everyone, not perhaps the usual Ren with more hope in it, but it puts it's message out there. I myself wouldn't listen to a song this dark daily, but I can appreciate where it comes from and understand it, understand that Ren is human like the rest of us

[@inuchan74]

@@Emanuel-hh4uu perfect way to describe it!

[@Dave1507]

@@Emanuel-hh4uu It's like these people feel betrayed because it's not what they expected or goes "too far" but how far is too far when it comes to art? Because this right here is the art of dealing with shit. Maybe not for everyone, but it is for Ren.

[@christopherbillups7562]

This song applies to eastern philosophies perfectly. He's saying to kill all your attachments in this life. He's seeking Nirvana even if it takes several lifetimes (Samsara: reincarnation). Listen again and you will hear it. Everything he's killing is a metaphor.

[@jasonremy1627]

"Kill these metaphors I write to all attachments in this life" is the thesis statement of the song.

[@elektrovert]

Exactly! So. Many people seem to miss this.

[@scottterres4119]

In my opinion, for the little it is worth, is that Ren fans feel they know Ren, because he lays himself so bare in his music....and I think there is this sense that he needs protection as this "damaged" individual...the way we may rally around friends or family. In reality, Ren has shown us all the incredible strength he has and that he doesn't need the kid gloves. As a fellow therapist, I absolutely appreciate your edit comments and that you're willing to examine your reaction. Sometimes, the things (idols, "makers", Jehovah) to which we willingly surrender need to be broken down to figure out who we really are. I hope you don't sweat it much. I've watched for a while but never subscribed. I'll subscribe now to kill the ones (metaphorically) that unsub'd.

[@barbarahatcher5942]

My initial reaction to the song was “oooh too much for me” but then I heard it 5 more times and I realized how fun and visceral it is. I love it and sometimes I need it. I love the line and delivery when he says forgive this blasphemous mf masochist”. Thanks for your insight!!

[@Hexenkind1]

The background is quite deep here. From his state of mind at the same time to buddhism, to things like "rebirth". And obviously all the hip hop references. Not everybody liked it because it was insensitive for some people and I get it. He wrote (when someone accused of not knowing what the word masochist means): "Masochist - Deriving pleasure from self pain A song about killing off all of your support systems and one that a lot of your fanbase arent gona like which hurts your support in a literal sense Because it hits on certain societal taboos, and enjoying seeing the reaction because its an assault on established dogma - Masochist" He also wrote on another comment: "I expected a split reception on masochist, I'm glad I got it I wrote the song on a day in 2021 I felt particularly bitter about living in a sick body for most my life, about anger at the greed in the music industry. Killing everything you know, even your support systems is also about rebirth, some people will have caught the Samsara line and see a man cursing the gods for the hands hes been dealt, others will see it as a track thats just being vulgar and dark for the sake of it. It's all of those things."

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Thanks for sharing this, really interesting. Judging by my live sub count and comments so far I think my reaction is going to be quite divided.

[@Hexenkind1]

@@TherapistReactsOfficial Well I hope you are a masochist as well then. ;) I liked the reaction. :)

[@francesdoll4039]

​@@TherapistReactsOfficialas it should be! You said what you thought. If you were wishy washy I wouldn't respect you. Wr have to start leaving sone space for differences without getting all offended. Salut!❤

[@abrb1223]

@@TherapistReactsOfficial I know I am 4 months late, but you reacted to the way the song made you feel, and that is what reactors do. You broke it down in a therapeutic sense for the lines that needed it, but mostly you just vibed with the song, which is fine. You cannot please everybody.

[@jeffdavidson3975]

He said he wrote this after he had a hard break from his management and he was very angry. So it seems to be more of a metaphor for the problems he was going through at that time. I though, see it through a different lens. When you’re in your youth you tend to be full of joy and hope. Then over time we can tend to become bitter and jaded about life’s circumstances. I’m a devout Catholic, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t yell at God for some of the things that have occurred over my life. Some very recent. I take this song and several of his new releases in that respect. It’s good to just get out your anger, let it go, and move on joyfully through life. This music is Ren’s way of doing just that, in my opinion.

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Yes I can see it through that lens that makes loads of sense. Although I am now beginning to second guess myself regarding my sensitivity around this.

[@deepbluehue3]

When I first heard the song I didn't want to hear it multiple times . From the lyrical connotation literally. One thinks of ' what if ' someone takes it literal and wants to shoot it up in public somewhere inspired by it ? But then again , I understood the lyrics are metaphorical and I can't be concerned how someone else will interpret a song ! ... The Beatles ' Helter skelter' , for example . Realize people ' unsub ' for different reasons ... sometimes it's not because they don't like you ... I just sub'd to you ... I've unsub'd to people when I've seen thier other content on youtube full of political a agenda i can't relate to . Or if simply I prefer having a short list so I don't have to click ' see more ' to see them all . People are fickle in that regard . This was a great positive reaction in my book .

[@NadineGiegerich]

I like the song, it reminds me of beeing a teenager, full of anger. And I don't take it too serious. 😂

[@sil_sweetwater]

Fantastic reaction as always! Just for a little bit context.... In his 1 million-subscriber thank you speech, (I highly recommend that you watch/react to it). I may be paraphrasing slightly, but Ren advised those “feeling hate against their fellow man”, to feel that hate/pain, express it, then let it go and find new peace. Seems like he is taking his own advice in Masochist and Lost All Faith. He wrote them during his darkest times, then took that pain, disillusion, desperation, depression and frustration and expressed it in songs about killing the whole world and losing his faith with everything. He created art. I’m in awe.🤯

[@Bludiify]

I guess, similar to ren, you make yourself vulnerable by reacting honestly. Dont let negative response get too near to you, but whom am i telling this.. Anyway, please know that I liked your response and your explanation about the masochist aspect, for me that adds a layer of meaning to this song. Thank you

[@LHartman-gj7dl]

Your old school hip hop knowledge is very impressive!! 🖤

[@ceekayy79]

I journal and I've definitely had entries similar to this on really bad days. I'm glad that you could see it for what it is..a person trying to get all over their negative thoughts out in the only way they know how... over a sick beat. I love it!!

[@kellyt5341]

Ren would love your explanation because you nailed it. As others have described he was NOT very happy and was feeling like shit along with dread. Yes, a big section of this album was written a few yrs ago.

[@DocHogan]

As I understand it, 'Hi Ren" is the most recently written song we've heard (excepting the coda to "Su!cide")

[@louise11854]

i agree with you about ren lyrics. i heard an interview. as well. i gain reassurance knowing that sick boi was written when he was an extremely sick boi and hi ren written after. i pray for his healing. ren's pretend grannie, kathleen bts renegade

[@LHartman-gj7dl]

I can't understand people unsubscribing for that reaction. People were divided about it when it came out, but once you sit with the lyrics for a while i think it makes sense. For me the two most important lines, and the ones I think explain it are "kill samsara, reincarnate - reach nirvana" and"Kill these metaphors I write to all attachments in this life".

[@atwellorama]

Lost All Faith sits in an interesting spot sort of between this and Hi Ren. Ought to check that one out. It's a beautiful song, if tortured.

[@MadameCasper]

I love that you knew all those references in his song. Krs one goes back a ways along with NWA. Thanks for doing these reactions.

[@renemeier5037]

I really appreciated your reaction on this one, but also was a bit surpised. Thought a Thearpist might see all sorts of red flags here 😆! I personally have no clue why people are offended or upset by it. It is clearly soooo over the top... And as a matter of fact: "Masochist" surpassed "Illest of our time" as my favourite Ren Track to date. For what it's worth. if I wouldn't be a subscriber of the channel already , i'd be after this reaction! Keep up the good work

[@salishseamermaid]

Ren posted an Instagram short a while back of an interview with Quentin Tarantino in which he was asked, "Why do you make such DARK movies," and the answer was 'BECAUSE IT'S FUN!"

[@inuchan74]

Omg I thought that was so funny!!

[@francesdoll4039]

I finally subscribed based on this reaction. One of my current favorites is an oldrt one calked Hold On. I would love fir you to react to.

[@edwinbharris]

I don't comment on videos often, but I just wanted to say that I really appreciate that you don't shy away from reacting to and showing that you enjoy tracks like this or from sharing your own experiences with darker thoughts. It's a fun video just for the video, but it also helps in the sense that, I think a lot of people tend to feel intimidated and overly judged by therapists. Myself included. There's always this fear of "just an outlet for frustration"-thoughts which would never go anywhere beyond that, being perceived as horrible or some kind of concern. But these types of reactions help with that immensely (for me anyway). Thank you for that.

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Thank you Edwin. I guess this comes to form and function that I often discuss. The observable thing (I.e the actual specific lyrics ) and the function (the why and in what context). So I don’t buy into the literal lyrics as they are just a vehicle for the underlying pain. Okay so let’s focus on the underlying pain. Well Ren was in pain, we know that, but he was still able to produce this song with clever word play, referencing older hip hop songs and having fun with it. And I think we can receive it that way. It helped him get some distance from that pain most likely, and I think we can do the same and enjoy it for what it is. No judgements here for any type of dark thoughts as they are somewhat surprisingly common - we just don’t go round talking about them much. Sorry that was a bit of an early morning ramble , I hope it makes some sense ! Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@edwinbharris]

@@TherapistReactsOfficial It absolutely makes sense, and it's good to see your reasoning behind it. Helps make it less scary to talk about these types of things when I know there are people out there who understand that sometimes it's just an outlet or way to help relate to or even process things. 🙂

[@user-ih7ux3zp1u]

This is what Ren posted on his youtube channel about Masochist: I expected a split reception on masochist, I'm glad I got it I wrote the song on a day in 2021 I felt particularly bitter about living in a sick body for most my life, about anger at the greed in the music industry. Killing everything you know, even your support systems is also about rebirth, some people will have caught the Samsara line and see a man cursing the gods for the hands hes been dealt, others will see it as a track thats just being vulgar and dark for the sake of it. It's all of those things.

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Makes loads of sense. Probably why it divided me so much in the reaction and then divided opinions of my reaction to that.

[@sigally]

You analysis was on point based on his comment when this track was released. He wrote this at the time he was suffering. My understanding is that he wanted to burn everything down and restart.

[@StoryWolf420]

Great reaction. This is my absolute favorite song. Not just by Ren. Favorite song period. I've listened to it on repeat for weeks now. Over 500 listens at this point. Is that potentially concerning? I'm not sure, but this song resonates with me like nothing else I've ever heard.

[@jimgrace3492]

Did you ever get so depressed and angry after one of life's setbacks - a break-up, or career knock-back, or whatevs - where you just want to kick the dog and smash your own bedroom up? I think Ren was in in the middle of one of those moments when he wrote this. So he let it all out onto paper... but acknowledged in the title that such feelings are actually masochistic.

[@greggary7217]

It’s jarring, shocking and at first take I couldn’t help but be concerned for Ren’s mental state but on a second listen to me this is clearly not literal. There is an early reference to role play but more directly later on talks about the metaphors he writes and killing all attachments in this life. Whether I’m reading the metaphorical message correctly is another matter but to me he is saying quite simply, enough with the bullshit our society, political, religious & social structures produce & get them TF out of my head. He’s saying if I have to be a masochist to kill them in me so be it, I’m done with it. Given the sh*t he’s been through it’s hard for me to deny him that take & anyway frankly it’s been the song of youth since at least the early days of rock and roll. This is just an extreme expression of it imo. I could be !way! off of course but to me flattening the curve of the earth I don’t believe to be literal either. I recall him saying he sees the world in Fibonacci sequences (music is math) & I think he’s referring to the bell curve representing the “normal” that contains said BS. Regardless of whether I’m completely off base in my interpretations (I’m happy to accept that) to me it asks a very important question Exactly WTF is it we think we are doing to the earth, to each other and to “me”?

[@debrashrider4062]

Unsensitive? No! True Ren has spoken about this song being written when he was in a very dark mindset. I have seen several of the Ren-Community, speak out in anger or extreme disappointment at Ren for deviating from "uplifting and positive" songs of "healing". To the point of declaring to never listen to any of his songs again. I believe this was very self-healing for Ren to write and perform. For myself if "venting" is what Ren needs, then my attention to it is also needed. Not for me but for him; we all need to be heard even when we are angry. I am sad not all of our community is as Nice, Kind or Understanding as others: Variety is the spice of life! I enjoyed your Reaction to this video. Thank you

[@inuchan74]

I saw some comments like that too, people irrationally outraged over it. One dude was angry that there was no trigger warning before it started because his mental health was irreparably harmed by hearing it. Like seriously dude?

[@alainmorel-qe2np]

Hi, You're right when you state that it.'s was writen some time ago when he was sicker and frustrated with everything around. I can remember where i read it, probably in a post on his youtube channel. Appreciate your work here. Thanks

[@shaerowe-bembridge7537]

love this reaction. I know I'm one of the only ones who feels this way, but it's one of my favourite songs on the album ❤️ I'm going to miss all the hip-hop tracks once this album is released

[@dawnpatterson8708]

This one was rough for me. I totally get this was written at a time, qhete he needed to express these feelings. It was really clever and catchy, as usual. But, it hurt my heart to hear him like this. But, I am a tender heart. Most of the songs on the new album were written up to 2 years ago. Please oh please, check out Lost All Faith. It really IS one of his BEST.

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

For me it was conflict of a good beat and some excellent word play, along with the pain under which it was written. Hope he wouldn’t mind me having some fun with it thought!

[@dawnpatterson8708]

@@TherapistReactsOfficial He said that he expected to get mixed reviews on it. I actually think that YOUR reaction is what he was hoping for. Mine, was the reaction he spoke of.

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

I might try to find what he has said about it, probably on Twitch somewhere as I would be interested to see what he has to say about it.

[@streekee]

I really love to hear your reactions. I totally agree and relate with your take on this one and love that you enjoyed it. I do think some people will have been shocked by this. Blaming unacceptable behaviours acted out because of listening to the words of a song, instead of focusing on the genuine underlying issues being endured by an individual. Such is the way of things. People have always tried to censor Art with condemnations of in-sighting to commit the unacceptable. I think I remember Ren saying that this was a bit of a purge when he was in a very dark place some time ago. Yet, as you said, he still had fun with it. Turning something brutal, dark and taboo into something positive and healing for himself. I once again thank him for creating conversations, bringing a smile to my face and making a banging beat fit for the gym or anywhere else I want to bounce around and expel some excess energy. Listening to the many videos/conversation Ren has online, I can’t think of any reason that he’d be offended by your comments. He’s often stated how he likes to hear the views of others about what it is he’s trying to convey. Once again. Really enjoy your reactions and appreciate your insights. 🫶

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Thanks Streekee, I think you have articulated really well what I was trying to get across.

[@dorkette_chicky]

Really loved and appreciated your reaction and your words. There is a 360 live version of The Tale of Jenny and Screech and he talks about gathering your negative emotions or things that are bothering you and releasing them 'to the ether' to let go of it. Whenever I hear a Ren express himself as he did on this track, that is what I think of. It doesn't dim Ren in my eyes at all, it just makes him that much more human, more real. Hell, with everything that he has dealt with and diligently fought for to get the proper care and deal with the aftermath... well, maybe that means there is hope for the rest of us still struggling to find the answers. Peace friend.

[@clscragg]

He has a song call Depression which is before he got the right diagnosis, it is a good song but very deep.

[@cas9065]

I just wanted to recommend that as well.

[@E33Tpro]

I interpret this song as the feelings you get when you're at the bottom of despair, when you wish everything could just leave you the fuck alone and go away so you can focus on yourself to find a way out of it, I'm probably quite biased in that interpretation since I've been going through it for quite some time myself but that's what I see, the beat and the wordplay is absolutely incredible and oddly satisfying and uplifting which makes no sense to me, and I love it. I hope Ren watches your reactions because you have a lot of good things to say, I'm a bit hardened and old school when it comes to life but you're getting close to making me a subscriber, also, I'm gonna check out your therapy channel to see if I can finally find a way after almost 10 years of burnout how to figure out what my trauma is, since the mental healthcare provider I have here in Sweden is quite useless and slow I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible so I have something to talk to them about. I like what I've seen from you so far so I'm intrigued.

[@aprilhammond9699]

You are honestly the BEST counselor/ mental health worker I have met!!!!! You're the next step up from those who Ren speaks against. That's a good thing! Stay your authentic self! ❤

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Thanks April, that means a lot to hear that

[@p_la_rice]

Subscribed. Really enjoyed your authentic response to authentic Ren, from a fellow therapist……please keep up the great work you do 😊

[@matheuspereira8634]

In my opinion, Ren is describing an ego death experience. A complete detachment experience. I love this song.

[@yilomina2047]

I think this was a great reaction! I don't know who got upset about it, but they obviously missed the whole message in Hi Ren - that the light and the dark are two sides of the same coin. This is Ren being authentic about his dark side. He was feeling angry with the music industry and angry with the medical industry (he has already explained this) when he wrote the song, and he knew that it would be divisive, but he put it out anyway. One of the things I value so much about Ren's music is how he lets us know that it's a GOOD thing to acknowledge and talk about what we're experiencing, whether it's pretty or not. When we hide away our anger, despair, shame ... it just keeps growing in the dark. The fact that he set these lyrics to a seriously catchy beat is delicious! It harkens back to that message about two sides of a coin. And I loved to see both your thoughtful reaction to the lyrics and your enjoyment of the music 😃

[@sigally]

There will always be people who disagree, and that's fine. You're experience is yours and authentic. Ren understood this may divide some. I think he would be be happy with your reaction based on everything I've heard him say. Of course, this is my opinion and take.

[@Shiroar]

As you say, everyone can relate to it to some degree even if not struggling with mental health cause everyone can have a bad day. It kinda reminds me a bit of Limp Bizkit’s Break Stuff in that sense. Even mentions a chainsaw too. This just feels darker. Probably because it isn’t the result of just a bad day. This is the frustrated roar of someone who has been fed up for a while. Cause Ren is siiiiiick! In two ways. This track is such a nasty banger🔥 Pretty sure the RENegade will follow this pied piper down to the dark depths of his rabbit hole even if he is wielding a knife instead of a pipe 🐰🕳️ 🗡️🐐 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀 Lucky he has found music as an outlet for all his frustration and anger 😅

[@sicmuvva11]

Ren said he wrote this after a particularly bad day involving his label at the time and just expressed his dark angry thoughts! Samsara is a level of attainment in reincarnation. A lot of these tracks are from demo’s in the past! He recently said he was feeling happy and as well as possible.

[@markholliday6395]

I really appreciate this reaction, and reading through the comments and your own evolving relationship to the song is a wonderful illustration of something I have been wrestling with myself the last few months. I have found myself being triggered by certain songs and/or the reactions and comments related to them. I’ve even found myself essentially shutting down and not being able to listen to any music for a few days at a time. That’s unusual for me, and it came as a surprise because I’ve done a lot of healing over the last couple of years which has helped me to better manage my emotional responses to things. My point here is that what you have demonstrated in several of your follow-up comments is the same thing I have found myself doing the last few weeks. That is, I have begun to ask myself “what is it about my past experience or world view that is causing me to have this specific reaction to what I am seeing, hearing, or reading?” I understand we all have our unique lenses through which we see the world, and this is a good reminder that sometimes we need to stop and ask if those lenses are still serving us. At the very least we may need to adjust them a bit. 😉

[@deliciousficticious3150]

I must admit when I first heard this I wasn't a fan and it took me a few listens to get my head round it. I do get it. When I was in a dark place with my health, I did lose all faith and I was angry at everything because I have no answers so it was very much a fuck you all attitude because you fluctuate between the sadness and depression of the illness, and the anger of no light at the end of the tunnel that can't be seen. It can't be looked at from a logical or even a faith perspective and tell someone how they should feel and what they should do, because in the depths of despair you don't look at things logically. If anything channelling his anger out in a song was likely very cathartic for him. And as we say, look at him now, not healthy by any means but at peace somewhat with his demons and situation. It is defo one for the gym to thrash out some anger or destructive thoughts in a safe environment. Keep up the good work Stuart. I recommend your channel loads because you seem a great therapist from your other channel and stuff I've seen

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

Been a subscriber for quite a while and I am appreciating your evolving commentary about Ren's music. It's a great springboard for discussion about feelings. Peace.

[@OyGestalt]

I've been on a tear lately, unsubbing from reactors for a variety of reasons: opportunism, willful ignorance, toxicity... the list is long. This reaction was excellent, on par with own observations. So now that I've cleared out a bunch of sub space (and to counter the hits you've been receiving), you've been added... with gratitude, my friend.

[@crispywheats]

You were absolutely spot on about his state of mind. He’s said this song was written at an especially bad time. That point of burn it all down. The good, the bad, the supportive, all of it. Musically, it’s a banger. I think that’s what makes the dark subject matter more palatable. It’s a shame folks took your reaction for something it wasn’t.

[@Dragonartykay]

Ren said on a live twitch that he was very unwell when he wrote most of the Sick Boi. Album. It is a great track. I think we all go through parts of our lives with a version of the thoughts in our heads. I know I did. I struggled having children. When I eventually became pregnant, I was told my twins had severe issues. When they were born 10 weeks early. They have disabilities. 23 years later. We still have major issues. At times I hated everyone and everything. Someone told me god only gives you what you can handle. I always reply. Well it would help if god spread it to others a bit. Great reaction. 😘😘😘😘. Thank you.

[@lizajayneed3913]

I’ve just come across Ren and your channel and the emotions and relate-ability is everything. I’ve been through the mental health system countless times and am starting the journey once again to try and get help and I hope that the therapists see me as a person and not as a problem as so many have. I hope in the future you could do some reactions to the musician letdown. And his songs. They resonate in so many ways for so many. Anxiety and making miseries are songs that constantly stick in my head. Thank you for your compassion and empathy. Unfortunately there are few healthcare workers who see the person and not just think that medication and ‘mindfulness’ is something that’s going to fix a person. We’re not puzzle pieces that don’t fit right, or having missing pieces.

[@maddynuff2091]

This was a great reaction. Unsure why anyone would unsubscibe because of it 🤷🏻‍♀️….. keep being your authentic self. Masochist and Lost All Faith are 2 of my favourite tracks from Sick Boi.

[@lynette.]

When you live in constant pain you have to scream every now and then just to carry on. This is a great track to scream out your frustrations.

[@Rickro72]

I agree with you, I've been through depression. The negativity you see in everything is true for me.🙏✌️🤙

[@chilixocoltl]

As a bipolar person, this one might be my favorite of Ren's. It feels like an insight into the manic experience that I haven't heard elsewhere. Sometimes for me, mania looks like me feeling the urge to destroy everything, no matter how important to me, just to get a clean slate. It feels like it would all be GOOD if I could throw everything and everyone out and start fresh, but acting on that impulse is just self-destructive and isolating. Masochistic, if you will.

[@ToadsNewMania]

I liked your reaction. Ren songs are hard to untangle and you hear different things and hear it in different ways every time you listen to them. I'm sorry some people unsubscribed because you didn't react the way they wanted. This is a REACTION channel and if they can't deal with that they don't belong here. You mentioned the song "Depression"; because of the lyrics in "Depression," I think Ren must have experienced severe depression at some point in his life. I've suffered from depression for 40 plus years and I've never heard or been able to describe depression as accurately. After watching that video, my husband understands more about me and my condition than he ever has in the last 35 years because the lyrics present depression in a way that hits you in the gut.

[@nyxskids]

This song feels like when I feel so self-loathing I want to take the world down with me

[@Nanersbananers]

Great reaction. You do a great job breaking this one down.

[@rodgersmith6891]

Ren does have a song called "Depression" ironically enough. That and his song "Insomnia" you should check out. Cheers. Great reaction btw

[@RudivanZyl]

Ren said that the lyrics of this song was written around 2-3 years ago when he was dealing with a lot of issues and dealing with his illness and going through a particularly hard time with it all. Basically the line "Kill all these metaphors to all attachments in my life" sums up this songs, he's saying kill or break down all the things that affect your life and rebuild it the way you want it to be

[@eiragwen]

Ren is an artist whose music delivers messages and makes you think - and the pure anger these lyrics come from express helpless rage that's uncomfortable and shocking... BUT I *think* based on how delighted he is with reactions to his music, that he also wants people to be entertained and excited about his music for the sake of the music and not the message, too. Back when F*ck Tha Police was released it also expressed ANGER, and to a lot of people it was uncomfortable and shocking... and also really great music. I don't think until events across the last decade that a large number of listeners finally understood that anger. And it's still really great music. I think it's okay to enjoy the music for what it is and contemplate it later. It's hard to take it all in on a first react.

[@TobiiRheaStarr]

This is my favourite track from Sickboi so far! Fire track 🔥🖤

[@iancollins65]

This indeed was written a couple years ago when he was in a dark place. He just was tired of being sick and was also going through a nasty breakup with its music management. It’s just him wanting to break everything down so he can be rebirth a whole new person.

[@tammyblevans2344]

I'm a year late but I just wanted to tell you that I'm right there with you and had the same reaction! And I was raised Baptist! Not showing it to my evangelical sister but I thought it was cathartic!

[@nannyogtha]

Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. Thanks

[@MsReclusivity]

It made me think about meditation and obtaining nirvana. You have to release all attachments to your life. He even mentions killing attachments from this life.

[@nikitabs4808]

Totally agreed with you, thanks for the video

[@REN4eva]

Hi Stuart, I love your reaction to this song. You were spot on when you thought that this is an older song. Although it is not entirely about his worst health problems. I am sure that by now you have already found his own explanation to this song. About the unsubscribers. If I hadn´t already subbed to you a long time ago, I would have now. And I wish I could subscribe multiple times, one more for each of those who unsubscribed. You said that we have to accept the whole Ren. Equally we, and also and foremost you yourself, must accept the whole Stuart. Please, for Gods sake, don´t change your spontaneous take on this song. I think, that what most of us want, is authenticity. Not some diluted onesize/fitsnobody type of reaction, created in hindsight, to keep your subscribers. But after saying that, I know that a healthy discussion, can contribute to change minds. My take on this song is, that Ren had years of aggregated pain, fear and frustration, combined with anger at the music industry, wich he needed purging out of his system. In my opinion he succeded very well. I wish that people would be able to see the metaphores instead of taking every word at its face value. Please keep on being You!!

[@NiliG-wg6gd]

Superb reaction and great insight. Why would anyone unsubscribe? As a side note i actually found this song very uncomfortable on first listen. But thats because it touched nerves and the darkest thoughts in my own mind around wanting to cut off all bonds and ties that dragged me back to a darker time in my life... on repeat listens l actually appreciate the cathartic effect of externalising those feelings in a harmless piece of music, as Ren has done for his own pain and frustration with this, and while its not my favourite Ren song it really is a sick beat and both the message and the music has grown on me 😊

[@tezzah94]

Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit was my favourite song as an angry teenager, and this is my favourite on the days when I'm an angry 30 year old. Letting the darkness out in ways that process it is healthy, keeping that shit inside is what will hurt you in the long run. I dont believe anyone who says they dont occasionally get the urge to trash the place when things are too much, even if they'd never physically do it.

[@bob2shred894]

Ren did write this a while ago and he said he wasn't in a good place at all when he wrote it.

[@Q.Q.]

Don't know if it's just this video or if you've changed things, but good that you're not censoring.

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

I think the only one (from memory) I censored was tales of screech and that was because when I uploaded it KZbin said it contained content that needed to be restricted, and when I censored it it still had to go to manual review by a KZbin human. I’ve not had that issue since. I think I censored myself in sick boi actually as I was still trying to figure it out. It wasn’t my choice, I don’t want things censored, I was just trying ways to keep my videos up. I did have a google about it and it does seem there was a policy change about allowing more swearing than they did before.

[@cherylwitter5038]

Great reaction as usual!

[@cas9065]

@Hexenkind1 has given all the details already, and others have mentioned Depression and Lost all Faith. Heretic is one of my favourite earlier ones that would also be very interesting through your eyes. I also think that you recognised exactly what Ren expressed as the background to the song. Ren's songs don't compromise. That is part of their beauty and, as he raps in Power, one of the reasons why they don't play him on the radio that much. I think you caught a bit of that fallout here. Again, as someone else said already, I would be worried if you as a therapist were to judge someone else for expressing such emotions so aptly. You would also negate everyone else who has experienced such thoughts. As you said, the reaction to the song itself by the one viewer who expressed their concern is fully valid, but their comment re your reaction seems to be skewed by that take on the song. So please don't second guess yourself. In a way that unsubscribe demonstrated the validity of the point of the song: driving away the network. Tschüß!

[@inuchan74]

Oh man I love Heretic so, so much

[@elevown]

This like many of his recent tracks was wrote before hi ren - that was one of the newest he'd wrote. He said a lot of the stuff he has released since Hi Ren was wrote like 2 year ago! This one he said was wrote after a very bad day when he just wanted to destroy everything.. You notice all the stuff he wants to kill are actually mostly things he wouldnt want to really kill hence why the song is called masocist. So I think this is song is reflecting what you might be thinking like at rock bottom- when you want to lash out at everything. I think you'd appreciate many of his other songs more than this one tho :) Everyone drops is good from a therapists angle i think.. its quite upbeat in tone but the lyrics have quite a lot to go into for you.

[@RobKeay1]

I love your style insights….two ways to hear this track, pure evil displayed, OR, Zen detachment, think John Lennon’s “Imagine”. What do you think?

[@Lulabee2024]

great reaction!

[@aixmhros]

Ren with these old Ren songs, exposing exactly the way you should deal with your bad side. if he trolls on you, troll this mf back and make big money from his ass! thats the spirit of all these tracks.-

[@lesleyd2448]

LOL Great Reaction 🔥🔥💜💜

[@shaerowe-bembridge7537]

coming back to this video to ask you to react to Money Game part 3 by Ren as i feel you would have a mountain of insight to add to that video ❤

[@clintsummers2704]

When you’re at the end of the rope and close to the end.. you want to kill everything you believed in because it all led you here. Kill it all and start over and recover? Hopefully pick some back up when you rebuild? My take at least. Great reaction brother🫣❤️

[@mcgee3977]

Great video! Been loving the videos keep it up man! Also song suggestion: Olivia rodrigo Ballad Of A Homeschooled girl. Would love you hear your thoughts on it. Hope you’re having a great day and or night

[@iamsquatty]

Good job with the fast talking there 😂 💜💜

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

This voice aint made to rap, or sing, or really talk to be fair.

[@Night_Parade]

I thought your reaction was spot on

[@bob2shred894]

This is a slightly different way to say he wants to start from scratch, clean slate.

[@rebeccarose7405]

It will never be one of my favorite Ren tracks, a little too dark and cold for my personal tastes. It does have a sick beat and again, we all have dark days, so there are days when I am ready to burn it all down…. Not too often, but once in a while.

[@thanosdarkseid8695]

he uses 4 rappers songs n styles in this song, krs-one woop woop..., nwa infamous song, wu tang //method man then eminem.....but pic him w guitar is of famous johnny cash holding his guitar like a gun

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Ah I didn’t catch that. I saw the pic on the straight from brighton town lyric but didn’t catch the Cash reference! Thanks for sharing.

[@Quick-Gun-999]

We’ll definitely an interesting song

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Isn’t it just!

[@mothermaclean]

Ren was very angry at the world when he wrote this he was in so much pain and he was so ill he wanted to give up on the world

[@AprilJMoon]

My simplified take on this track is like comparing Ren to a PC that is full of bugs and virus's and killing them off then re-installing a clean version of the operating system = a healthy Ren without all the negative thoughts that accompanied his messed up system and misdiagnosis'

[@nuttegull]

Ren has a song called Depression.

[@joegote]

Ren does has a song 'depression'

[@LaurenJeanieS]

I love the breakdowns! How do we suggest songs for you to react to I have a few i would like to suggest

[@henryskyy5123]

Great reaction,but I'm very confused at the end.Did you say 'Tschüß ' as a goodbye?Do you have german roots?😮😊

[@TherapistReactsOfficial]

Ha yes, I lived in Germany for several years and for some reason we spoke pretty much English all the time except for when saying goodbye! So it still comes out now and then!

[@melissawinstead8848]

❤

[@leann60]

🔥❤

[@jessicacastro7824]

#like

[@LiamQuinton-e5c]

Hey Stuart i would love if you listened to XXXTENTACION's new song "I spoke to the devil in miami, he said everything would be fine" its a very deep song and you might need some google translate at the end 👍

[@yarbafett]

Hes a Masochist. He likes pain and self torture so cant go wrong with a react

[@bethstratton3391]

On the surface this song appears to express sadisticness, but I think Ren is referring to his masochistic tendencies of seeking gratification dependant upon his own physical pain, self-imposed suffering or and/or his perception of experienced first hand humiliations in this process and at the hands of his record company at the time he wrote the track. He wants to lash out at those who are feeding this tendency in him, perceiving them to be the sadists. I saw this song as Ren turning the idea of Hollowness into the Buddhist idea of Nothingness and through this enlightenment, thus being free from samsara or history repeating itself. Ren comes for the church via the ‘pope’, killing the god ‘Jehovah’ or Jesus ‘the one on the cross’ to become his own godhead (neo or the one), then decapitates himself in a way too, in order to become free of all earthly illusion and ego. He expresses the idea of “killing your darlings” Arthur Quiller-Couch and William Faulkner style; or the more modern interpretation “Kill the things you love” Stephen King or John Wick style. The idea of killing your current influences and philosophies in order to change, like a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly (hence emerging from the body bag), to sting like a Bee or “To Be or Not to Be” (Shakespeare). Ren also calls out flat-earther’s, those who can not see past their own horizon. I think that idea is there as a metaphor for people who fail to see the larger vista or bigger view points, often end up being distructive (perhaps even murdering) in actuality and not just imaginatively, theoretically or metaphorically. I loved the way Ren sang “flow like Ocean”, ocean said in such a way as to sound like he’s referencing Ko Kuei Chen (Chén Kèhuī) the scientist who led pharmacological research into ephedrine, steroids, venoms as therapy and cyanide poisoning; who was given the Remington Medal for excellence in pharmacy; after all Ren has often said he’s been awash with drugs of both recreational and pharmaceutical. Whilst this line is also a nod to Frank ocean. Ren also nods to the Police, Eminem, Method Man, NWA, Jazzy Jeff. The Hives, Nirvana amongst others and indirectly authors Bukowski, Le Carre (Tinker, Tailor Soldier, Spy) and Graham Greene (in the lines about Brighton Town “my name is Killer” e.g. Brighton Rock.