REN - CRUTCH - ft. Bibi Reaction

[@davideastham]

Not many people have reacted to this one and it's one of my fav's. Ren said it's one of his favorites too. Thank you for the reaction guys!! You are right that this was before he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. He wrote this song after he battled with severe depression and after a nervous breakdown following lots of visits to emergency room. Bibi was his then girlfriend. Ren said "It's a song for anybody who has faced any kind of mental challenges, depression, anxiety, or health struggles while in a relationship and all the fears that come along for the ride with that."

[@frankensteinfpv]

Such a beautiful song!

[@christophCymru]

Mine too.

[@rudolphadonis3030]

One of my favourite tracks aswell

[@HelerifiKtion]

It's right up my alley musically, looooove it. Funny, how he craps over the very existence of genres. It shows how much people hide behind the trend they belong, how slave-ish that is as well. When there is no musician without the trend, how sad a life that is.

[@Henry4ever]

​@@HelerifiKtion Yes

[@WRXinthe410]

This guy blows away 95 percent of the mainstream artist. Hope he stays true to himself.

[@matthias.t]

99,9 percent.

[@Lou-xq9br]

I'm soooo glad I found Ren 4 mths ago - like many of us. He deserves every success & happiness. A true star 🌟 💙

[@JohnGatesIII]

This is Ren completely exposing himself (in every way you can imagine). You can see, in other videos, that Ren actually took pretty good care of himself. With his illness though, he lost all of that. Although he's "Thin", he lost most of his muscle mass. BiBi at the time, was Ren's girlfriend. He was Terrified of losing her because of what he was going through. He wrote this song to her, for her, to explain his Fears.

[@TheReluctantCarnivore]

He has MCAS as a result of the Lyme. It causes you to have allergic reactions to so many foods. He has to eat a very restrictive diet now. Before he knew what it was, he could barely eat & was in bed most days. Because of this he lost weight & muscle mass. He looks so healthy now because of his diet restrictions & he works out.

[@primitivedogs4638]

I listen to Ren a lot. But this is totally new for me. I was thinking about Bowie. Groundcontol, Mayor Tom. Very naked.

[@sammyd8860]

I find this such a tough watch - to see him (or anyone) in such pain. This was before his diagnosis, and he had become resigned to dying before he was 30. Just incredible that he could produce something so beautiful, and so powerful, when he was so ill

[@MissMeKate]

Bibi helped him back to his feet in the video, and literally helped save his life by helping set up the fundraiser for his treatment, but ultimately at the end he has to face it alone, which was his biggest fear when he was dying.

[@shirleywenlock-hot7460]

Plus they dated for like 2 years

[@pitapita3559]

11:39 Y'all why assume it's in his head, I have seen a woman leave her wonderful Husband because he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Also, here is an example in the family - my uncle's wife beat him because his autoimmune disorder paralyized him. Translation there are many who may have even gone so far to say that they would be with you in Sickness and in health but they really meant in health so long as you benefit me etc. Takes true love, which would suffer long, and seemingly the girl portrayed in this video didn't have such... not actually. Ripped my heart out to see it perfectly portrayed here by Ren.

[@lockandloadshari]

This song breaks my heart. The first time I watched it I was sobbing through the whole song. I've had a lot of medical issues myself that doctors never could seem to diagnose so I can totally relate to him in this area.

[@jasonfox3383]

This guys life is going to be a movie one day, he’s been to hell and back, been creating this unbelievably good music for years with a huge back catalogue that the masses haven’t seen, hi ren drops then boom! Another gem of his I first heard the other day that’s worth a reaction, a song called ocean, really really good

[@debbieholoquist2059]

I would love to see either a documentary or a fact based movie.

[@Avatar_AnaSofia]

Ocean is reallu good but a reaction to "Ready for you" would be really nice too 🙂

[@VideosbyLisaLisa]

Love, love, love "Ocean" and "Humble", his collaborations with Eden Nash. So few people react to either.

[@suzannemurnane2714]

This is totally relatable and Ren is a freaking prodigy! He speaks for many ppl. And helps us too!

[@muddymaker3721]

It's so sad that this guy's music is so underrated, I feel that his music would resonate with so many people globally.

[@erichburger1935]

I'm not so sure he's underrated as much as his library is just undiscovered? Saying this based on the comments left from those who have discovered it. I know by the third song I heard, he rose into my top 10.

[@jenneper]

I have Lyme and Lupus.. this song makes me cry every time because it really is like this. It's hard to break down our own thoughts, beliefs, pride.. we literally mourn ourselves with our illness. Giving up our old strong self to have to rely on other people and a lot of people do leave.

[@ChristineP-qp6vn]

So scary when you become sick and find out those that you thought would be there for you right away.

[@IronRaspberry]

Bibi was actually Ren’s girlfriend at the time. And yes, Ren sang the high part. He also played the piano on this song. For more context, read what Ren wrote in the description under the video.

[@IronRaspberry]

@@knowsomething9384 No they aren’t. Not sure if the reason, but he moved in with his The Big Push bands mates, Romain and Gorran. .

[@workingit3055]

I don't see a description anymore. Maybe it used to be where the lyrics are now.

[@TwistedPixie69]

I agree, Brian. I've been telling those that are around me (3 people) that I feel like I'm drowning. Like every time I come up for air, something pushes me back under. Between health issues, bills, housing crisis, keeping homemaking help due to my health and just everyday life, I feel like I’m constantly in a battle to just get the next breath. It's a struggle to get through most days. I'm just trying to make it from one minute to the next. No exaggeration. People don't understand, so they say nothing, which suffocates me even more. Have a great week, guys. See you Thursday.

[@francesdoll4039]

Supporting you in your struggles. The music sure helps, doesn't it?

[@mikepiccione886]

Hands down my favorite artistic expression from ren😊

[@frankensteinfpv]

You gotta read the description under the video. Ren explains how this song came about..

[@workingit3055]

I don't see that anymore. Just the lyrics.

[@TofferJ-UK]

I loved this and have seen it many times. My eyes still fill with tears as the song progresses. ❤️

[@shireeni8665]

Ren and Bibi (Lea-Ding) were in a relationship at the time and this was when Ren was feeling particularly terrified of losing his mind and her... Bibi, besides being a super talented singer is also an amazing tattoo artist! ☮❤Sea Point, Cape Town

[@Aurora-cv5to]

Ren has said that he was terribly self conscious about his body and how thin he'd become... so he filmed it, made himself come to grips with it. This was the period when he thought he'd probably die within the year. A steady slipping away of his physical and mental capacity, and the constant pain. Probably worth mentioning that the drugs he was constantly taking were prescribed.

[@danwalby7365]

I love you guy's, the way you bounce off of each other is very rare. Keep it up gentlemen.

[@rudyb.]

“Penitent”, “Ready For You”, “Ocean”, “Heretic” and “Everybody Drops” are my favorites….by REN. Incredible songs.

[@woodywoodman2319]

A Complete Artist! Absolutely No One compares to him! Brilliant!!!

[@willbender9035]

Yes! This song doesn't get enough reactors watching it!

[@laurelhager8495]

I love to hear your different interpretations of the same scenes according to one’s perspective. Ren is a master of his crafts, yes, crafts !!! You two are also very lucky to be such obviously good friends. Charish that. ❤❤❤

[@MrBeltured]

Incredible song again. We can see Ren when his illness got him hard. Man he is a true fighter

[@chrisseiler42]

I have been doing my best to support my partner of 26 years with his chronic pain of 16 years. He says to me he knows I can’t do anything about his pain but he explains he has to be able to share it with someone. (No one else wants to hear it anymore.) I am happy to be his witness. (We’re still looking for answers!) Hi Ren introduced me to Ren and inspired me to rehabilitate myself back for an autoimmune attack that had me loosing a lot of muscle mass. Getting stronger every day. (Turning 62 in May) Thank you to Ren and thanks to you guy for reacting to this song.

[@francesdoll4039]

What a ride!❤ Breaks my heart every time. I can hear his fear of losing her,being too much for her.

[@Silkytoaster]

Great reaction guys. My take on it is - yes she did leave him - but she left him standing - standing up and no longer needing the crutch. I believe the back story is that Bibi was REN’s girl friend and she help raise the funds for a stem cell transplant and that made a huge difference in the progression of his illness . May I suggest the song Swan Song by the big push - here you will see Ren , Gorran and Romaine singing in an old cathedral - most beautiful angelic voices - totally different to anything you have heard from them before .

[@AlSnoopsReid]

If you're looking for "deep", Ren's song "DEAR GOD" will really hit you in the feels.

[@sharis9095]

I'm not 100% but I read somewhere that Bibi was actually the one who helped Ren find the Doctor that finally diagnosed Ren with Lyme's. At first I thought she was never there and was just a delusion. Either way she she helped hold him up and got him to his feet. Also, Ren on piano is beautiful. Yet again an amazing video with almost no budget.

[@annebiebrich9155]

Ren said in a video that at the time of this video he was severely underweight and having major mental breakdowns and scared that his girlfriend would not be able to stick with him through this, yes this was before his correct diagnosis! ! He said he was afraid he was going to die from what his mind and body were going through !

[@Shiroar]

One of my favourite Ren song. Heart wrenching and beautiful. Everything is just a perfect depiction of raw emotion. Video, music, singing, lyrics. It’s stunning.

[@Gaelic98]

I'm really looking forward to you two watching "The Big Push - I shot the Sheriff/Road to Zion/Hip Hop".... In think you'll be blown away. Note: The Big Push is the busking band he was a member of... The video is one of my favorite videos Ren is in. Also, The Big Push members are super talented. They ask complimented each other did well. They're good to each other too.

[@savagetsc]

Daggnabbit Cedric! Your bit about moving when there's a problem just hit me like a ton of bricks. Recently started a deep self reflection process to help with my own depression and anxiety. Learning about my emotional struggles that stem traumas. I've never felt like I'm a runner, but hearing you say it like that... yup. I have definitely moved to get away from problems. First time watching you guys was your first reaction video to Ren and I just keep coming back for more. Thank you for being quality gents!

[@NixyRose72]

My bf is my crutch and my lifeline. I got sick with a severe chronic pain, connective tissue disorder. We'd only been dating for about 6 months. Before i got sick, i had an amazing job that I loved. I made excellent money and I had my depression/ anxiety/c-PTSD etc etc under control with cognitive behavioral therapy and I even managed to get off my antidepressants. I was even socializing and my social anxiety was decreasing.... Then I got sick and my world crashed down around my ears. Everything hurt, I was exhausted without ever doing anything, my mind scattered and i ended up having to leave my job and fight for disability. All of my mental health progress shattered like dropped crystal and my tricks didn't work anymore. I became terrified and anxious and the pain never stopped. My nerve center decided that it was going to go into hyperdrive so that sometimes even clothes hurt my skin and my son hugging me felt like he was squeezing a bruise. I found myself agoraphobic, so so lost in a fog of pain and depression and my bf stayed by me. His life got significantly harder because i was no longer bringing in the big paycheck and he was supporting us on his own. Especially when i was fighting for SSDI. We'll be celebrating 10 years in October. I'm still kicking because he won't let me stop. And believe me, in the beginning of this nightmare, i was actively looking up things like "the right to die" foundation and other things. Giving up.... it didn't feel like there was a purpose to waking up every day like this. I'm still unsure why I'm here... but i keep going for him and my son (he's an adult, but he's been through his own hell. Leukemia in 2021 and now complications from chemo... but he's in his second year of remission!!!) This song made me cry so hard. I'm so afraid that my bf is going to 'come to his senses' one day and go to find a better life. Part of me wishes that he would leave me (even though i love him with my whole heart and it would tear me apart)... not for any altruistic reason... for the most selfish reason of all. Then i can give up. My son will be OK. Hell, they'll probably even all understand. "Broken heart was just one straw too many," they'll say. Nah, I'm apparently here for the long haul lol. Bf says he's not going anywhere. Stubborn, amazing, wonderful crutch. ❤

[@daniels4051]

Wonderful reaction gents. I like the willingness to share both of your views without one being right. Ren is a gem.

[@Henry4ever]

Raw and powerful...!!...and the Pink Floyd vibes>>>priceless. Great stuff guys! Thanks.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@CedricandBrian]

Thank you for watching Henry. We appreciate you. - C -

[@philk9227]

Great reaction guys. This is definitely one of Ren's most touching and poignant songs.

[@sarvil6253]

Thank you for your thoughtful reaction 😊

[@CedricandBrian]

Our pleasure! Thank you for supporting us by watching our channel. - C -

[@frankensteinfpv]

Absolutely beautiful song and so very cinematic! Ren is such a pure and great artist...

[@eretlippand9965]

Thank you for your reaction! This is an amazing song.

[@kellyt5341]

Well Ren said everything he touches turns to dust. Ren was wrapped around her and she turned to dust. That was his girlfriend back then, now ex.

[@kempkennedy3542]

This song is pure fire!!!! It has a feel to me like it could have been another great track on "The Wall" from Pink Floyd

[@KIBICKE94]

I also have a strong "One of my turns coming on..." vibe from this. A masterpiece

[@wastefulungratfuls]

I hope you read the description in the comments of the original from Ren...🤞

[@littlemissbossy1000]

i think he references the glue to fix the broken parts of him he wants to be healed so much and the naked thing is him at his most vulnerable letting the world know how frustrated he is with cards he been delt xx

[@ashleytyner9848]

This song is definitely one of my top fav Ren songs. Very underrated. Its insanely beautiful. The whole song and video is such a beautiful representation of his struggles... in fact I couldn't watch it when I seen the woman in the video as his crutch... (I got jealous) so I listened to it instead. Then I wanted to punch her at the end when she disappeared on him. I wanted to scream I'll be there Ren!!! Always! ❤ this song is breathtaking

[@juliedavis1040]

Man! Lots to say here but so little time to get to it all 😂. Big shout out to Ren for basically going through a mental crisis induced from an illness in front of us all and taking is ALL with him on that journey. I’m learning painful lessons from the bow of his boat in the worst ways recently (a month) with a still unidentifiable neurological DEGENERATIVE disease. A line that blew me away to tears was when he’s talking to his “significant other” and asked her if she would stay if he lost his mind. Holy cow, this is what it feels like. Your body breaks down, and your brain stops listening, then the depression and dementia make you afraid you’re crazy and it’s really ALL in your head. This dude has probably saved a few from that noose in the past few months. Props. Thanks guys

[@debbieholoquist2059]

Why now? "Hi, Ren." That song captured the attention of so many reactors. And then so many of us NEEDED to see what else he had to offer.

[@TwistedPixie69]

Good morning Cedric and Brian!!

[@IceMan2035]

Ren's so talented and has so many emotional songs. Great reaction❤

[@julieyates405]

Ren is such a very special artist. His talent and ability to put his experiences into his performance is extraordinary. He's touched our hearts and won our minds. Thank you for your insightful reactions to this moving, beautiful song.

[@Hexenkind1]

You two also should ABSOLUTELY do Chinchillas song "fingers" in the live version. If you loved her voice with ren you will love that one too. She recently separated with her label so she deserves all the support even more now.

[@GreenGoblin30]

I see the progression as the story unfolds. He can barely move at the beginning... and at the end... after the "Crutch" of her comfort... he is standing on his own two feet.

[@woodywoodman2319]

Also... Freckled Angel's is about his friend he mentions at the end of How To Be me!!! Highly Recommended watching the Live version of it... also... the birthday remembernce version of him! (Photos!) Can't imagine Losing my best friend since childhood!!!

[@gregschindler184]

Wherever you go, there you are...

[@jaysendanley3766]

One of those perfect songs. It was meant too be.

[@danielaglueck9147]

If interested he posted a 8 chapter summery of what happened and his struggles before he finally got his diagnosis!!

[@johnmcjunkin4613]

Poignant!

[@mikepiccione886]

You guys earned my subscription on this one😅

[@beverlywest7627]

Ren is proof that the best and most talented don't always get noticed as they should. So many famous people with not 1/4 the talent Ren has.

[@guinevere7494]

My heart breaks listening to this for a few reasons. My guy/ex has a lot he’s never dealt with. He wanted me to be his crutch but my trauma traumatized him. Wanting me as a crutch without working through his stuff was not helping. For my safety I had to remove myself from being his crutch as when he wasn’t feeling it or fed from my trauma his old behaviours return. I have lost so many people in my life and the ones that hurt the deepest are the lose of those who are still alive but can’t understand why I am the way I am. It’s like my trauma had people push me away leaving me on my own to deal with this world. I have had trust issues from childhood trauma and now it is a frightening thing to allow myself to trust anyone other than myself, whom I can’t always trust either. I thank you and peace and love to the broken and those who are whole.

[@cenobytecode]

He was in excruiating pain 24 hours a day. He's laying collapsed on the patio in front of what looks like a space heater. You do all kinds of "alternative therapies" to get some relief. He didn't have the strength and just laid helpless and ashamed on the cold stones until his girlfriend came out to help him back inside. In the end, the burden was too much and she left him.

[@JensRandolff]

I am happy to see you dive deep into Ren's early music. I love this song, even though it, too, is sad. Hauntingly beautiful, though. This song was released in May 2016, but I believe Ren wrote this much earlier, when he was still misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and mental health issues. I read somewhere that the girl in the video is his then-girlfriend, Bibi. She started a GoFundMe campaign that allowed Ren to go to Belgium to finally get diagnosed with Lyme Desease. Ren explained that it was freezing cold that night, and he thought he was going into hypothermia during the filming. Here is an excerpt of what Ren wrote about this song. “The song came about after a nervous breakdown following lots of visits to [the] emergency room after some scary health problems. It's a song for anybody who has faced any kind of mental challenges, depression, anxiety, or health struggles while in a relationship and all the fears that come along for the ride with that. It is also a song for the courageous and wonderful people who support their other halves, family or friends during times of crisis.”

[@davidsheffler9581]

Amazing song! This hits me emotionally harder than anything I've heard before.

[@ceg2235]

Ren talks about what the song is about in the description. Maybe read it and you'll know exactly what it's about. This is such a beautiful song. Can't believe it's not played in every movie and on the radio. Stunning!

[@DonnaPoynton.]

This is one of my favourites,Thanks guys ❤

[@ghostsoffline]

the video is basically saying, ill be there to help you up, when you get up ill be gone. thats why its called Crutch

[@shinythingsproductions]

Loved this! When it explodes it gave me flashbacks to The Wall film by Pink Floyd. Great job!

[@juliecooper-nm7cm]

Fabulous reaction and analysis!

[@mldkenny]

Boy this is so sad.Poor guy , thank God he is on the road to recovery! Great Choice.

[@Caketime2]

Coming from someone with chronic pain he's showing you the body parts that hurts. And yes it goes from one to another to another and everywhere. He needs glue to put himself back together. The pose he is in is what happens when the pain takes over and there's nothing left to do except getting the fetal position and cry. He's not detoxing, that is chronic pain rearing it's ugly head. No one stays through it, everyone leaves you in one way or another. You use water because sometimes extreme hot or cold is the only thing that takes the mind off it. Either everyone leaves you or you don't have anything left for them

[@andrewmagill]

Yeah! Good job teach! what a beautifully brutal truth! x

[@katherineolmstead8137]

It is not just depression it is also the pain.

[@littlemissbossy1000]

i thought the drowning thing was him that overwhelmed with his pain and giving into his addiction again and she leaves like an endless repetitive cycle xx

[@maikolewis-whaanga254]

This has to be one of my favorite Ren songs 💖

[@Tessimistic420]

Hear for you and #Ren always ❤️

[@adreannwingren6603]

As an anxiety suffer (GAD), I totally resonate with Brian’s thought of the bathtub water scene / being able to breathe/ can’t breathe etc.

[@I.am.Meo.]

I think the glue reference was him trying to find a way to keep it all together or to put it all BACK together. : ( I'm so glad he's doing better now. His voice is so soft and amazing here...and the message they are both conveying is SO connective. The change in the song seemed to depict that the chaos that was coming no one could predict. I think someone WAS there, but it got to be too much for them. Either way..it's...wow!

[@MissMaria1969]

Awe loved it thanks guys ❤

[@StelFiRu]

Beautiful heartbreaking song.

[@traceybarger2628]

She did leave him but he was standing on his own two feet by then… she helped him through.

[@amandagoodtime7751]

This one is my favorite by Ren it holds a place in my heart I still cry listening to this 😢❤️‍🩹🎶

[@MoreKellBellPlease]

I take it as him losing his mind during that tempo change, and then she left him when he did, which was his fear in the beginning. It's all interpretive. Haunting song regardless. ❤

[@valeriemason2014]

Ren is amazing in the fact that he can capture his pain and make it beautiful in a song. Now do something to show his more fun side .... Losing it is my favorite of his. Very Cheeky 😊

[@ahnicron8412]

This could have been The White Stripes meet Nine Inch Nails With a touch of Prince thrown in at the end. What a performance and production!

[@VideosbyLisaLisa]

Another Ren-designed chance for multiple interpretations is when Ren is submerged under water. I was thinking of the times I've gone under water to block out the world. The desire to stay numbed out for as long as possible until the survival instinct kicks in, and you breach the surface gasping...

[@karahgarrison3218]

Yay!! I love this one❤️❤️

[@jmango2636]

Another one of his songs that is super powerful is Depression … get the sunglasses ready

[@christophCymru]

Such a powerful song

[@cherylrobbins715]

Great choice

[@MusicalPilgrim]

Uhhhh man, this Song really makes me cry.....for different reasons. Not very much people can comprehend, what this man had to go through. I love people, musicians, who have the ability to show their thoughts and their feelings with words, music, voice and moving pictures like this. The genius combination of these elements makes it possible to dive deeply into the artists Pain, anger and suffering. That's what gives me chills and tears.... Until now i've experienced these abilities only with my favourite band >pain of salvation< and their mastermind >Daniel Gildenlöw

[@Jillightful1]

Lot's of discussion about depression and anxiety but keep in mind that he was in excruciating physical pain as well. For years.

[@anticafo]

This is definitely an amazing song and an amazing reaction!!! Just one note - maybe mix up the vibe a bit. So far the focus has been on heavy and emotional works of Ren and forgive me if I'm mistaken, but it seems you're missing out on his great vibes and fun side - Love Music 2 and 3, busking with his band The Big Push covers and originals, collab with Sam Tompkins covers and original song Blind Eyed (live versions) his rap Power, Genesis, Ocean, Humble, etc. And then go to deep songs like others suggesting such as Penitence, Chalk Outlines, How to Be me, etc. Just my opinion - otherwise you're only seeing one side of Ren and he is really multi-spirited and multi-talented. Would love to see you guys check out that side of Ren as well! Thank you:)

[@samrichardson7683]

Great reactions guys. We are all on an amazing Journey. So many amazing songs. Please try Ren ft Sam what went wrong part 1 and 2.

[@anthonyleeming]

Check out some songs by The Big Push. Such as Dignity, Precious, Why My Woman, Sweet Little Lady. It is a band that Ren was in. Lots of good videos on their channel also.

[@suzannesantos86]

I heard that Ren plays piano. Is the piano on this track Ren? If so, daaaamn! So talented.

[@stephentrevis2514]

1140 could also be that him going crazy during his treatment could’ve pushed her away as he was ashamed for anybody to see him going through such weakness

[@dawnblaynee7983]

Check out Trick The Fox, you'll see Ren in his much Much younger years. Still talented as hell and full of sass. Much love and respect from The UK.

[@Phil_D_Waller]

great reaction!

[@adam.4487]

Ren X Eden Nash two songs "Humble" and "Ocean" please do those, thank you ♥ If you did those already I'm sorry that I missed it. :)

[@pennytipp]

Yes! Love both and Eden’s voice meshes so well with REN’s!