Ren X Chinchilla - Chalk Outlines (live) | Poet Reacts

[@YoungbloodPoetry]

I forgot to mention in the video that serotonin is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that needs to be at certain levels in order to ensure proper mood. Its deficiency is a contributing factor in depression, so the job of sertraline is to ensure that the brain does not reuptake or “remove” the serotonin that would’ve otherwise remained available for mood stabilization

[@anecdotal_mattybs5435]

On the bard comment……Ren is apparently from wales…..ren/Taliesin?

[@elletoop2959]

always thought it was "such relief in a sip of serotonin" damn

[@JosephLeeSoonsin]

Interesting thing is that a new study shows that the whole "lack of serotonin" idea might not be true.

[@shaundisch2020]

And being relaxed, chilling in nature, inner peace, especially deep meditation, can produce tons of all the chemicals we need for mental health. The holy spirit, aka kundalini in the east, is just a ton of drugs produced by the body exactly when we need them in the exact proportions, and they all cease to affect you instantly when you look at life wrong or need to think a bit. I encourage everyone to strive for inner peace which in doing so reveals the depths of our mind and its attachments and illusions.

[@JimGraham-jj8fv]

She mentions the name of the pill that meant to balance ceratonin

[@jonathangibson9137]

Wait until you see their live version of "how to be me"!!! Ren X Chinchilla❤ ✌️

[@impediment1]

Ya beat me to it "How to be Me" is my current favorite. Chinchilla blew me away. OMG I think How to be Me is her best!!!

[@dawnpatterson8708]

I so TOTALLY agree.

[@benstarmes6356]

This.

[@firecracker187]

FACT.. that's the best

[@firecracker187]

​@@impediment1 when ren crys at the end... omfg my heart

[@travisscavoni369]

Many people on psych meds say they feel dead inside and don't feel anything emotionally while taking meds. The meds push their feelings down and so they walk around in chalk outlines. At least that's one of the meanings I get from this song.

[@AndrewJonesMcGuire]

Exactly this. Which is why there is the line about pushing it down with a new habit. Almost every single person I know who is on any kind of mood stabilizer - also uses recreational drugs and/or alcohol - just to stop feeling the way the medication makes them feel.

[@apro68]

Imagine, how many people will be inspired to go out of their own chalk outlines by this and other Ren's songs. You said: "maybe I'll make videos like this from my poems.. ". That's it. That's the greatness of Ren's art.

[@leejones1319]

I've worked in psychiatry for over 20 years. The line of being scared of being ok is so powerful. Depression can be maintained through the worry of getting down again even when feeling well. Beautiful, soulful song.

[@1118alpet]

You hit the nail on the head! I have struggled with bipolar II since I was a teen (In my 50's now) I also have C-PTSD, severe social anxiety w/ panic disorder which has developed into agoraphobia. I feel scared of being ok every day. I'm afraid if I become ok, I will be taken off my meds. (Sertraline & several others) I know how I am without my meds; and it's not a pretty sight. It scares me. Plus, If I feel ok I know it's not going to last. Nothing ever does. 😮‍💨

[@Myzery-ws6ue]

I was removed from my home and placed in foster care because of abuse. To this day if things are okay I'm scared of when it will go wrong again. It's such a burden to try and be comfortable happy without being afraid of who's going to hurt me

[@LimitlessMegan]

I have depression and anxiety, but also a physical chronic illness - it really speaks to both so deeply.

[@mimib323]

I put it like "I walk through life constantly expecting the rug to be yanked out from under my feet". So, yea, so relatable. I'm currently in a position I've been in so many times before. I know I need to get back on my meds (I stopped because I couldn't afford them for a time) but there is that fear of the side effects that can sometimes feel as bad as the original illness they're designed to treat. It's a constant battle. No worries, I will get back on them. I know that it's a necessity that I do so, but yea, this song hits right where it hurts. So to speak.

[@dillonpatterson4310]

Yeah the its a beautiful day, take it just incase and the line about being afraid of being ok are both soul crushingly true.

[@cyborgreality]

Both Ren and Chinchilla are so talented. Ren is such an amazing writer. I’ve just begun to really dive into chinchillas solo music and just all around impressed. Always looking forward to the next project!

[@nickmorgan9165]

I like to think the video was made in the basement of a hospital, hence they were both wearing white. The image of Ren, suprised to find a guitar down there, so he picked it up and sang from the soul. Then Chinchilla another patient joins in from nowhere both sharing the same experience. Such a simple idea but brilliant. Amazing accoustics, such a good vid! "It's such a beautiful day, take it just in case" kills me everytime. Dependance on prescription drugs is just as hard as any addiction.

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

That one line 'don't cry because there's a pill for everything' was delivered with such impact with that little pause and head movement.

[@dillonpatterson4310]

Yeah the its a beautiful day take it just in case along with the line about being afraid of being ok are just so true they hurt..

[@TXTrojan]

Chalk Outline what a metaphor for feeling hollow/dead on the inside

[@Budini67]

@TrojanFL You get it, fam.

[@xxTheMouseThatRoaredxx]

Ren refers to his style of music as Bardcore. It's truly fitting

[@dawnpatterson8708]

This one has a different feel to it. It's more than the lyrics, their beautiful voices or even how well they compliment each other. With this performance, it's their CONNECTION. You can FEEL it. Wow

[@rineran]

“Sertraline and a sip of serotonin. Don’t cry cause there’s a pill for everything. Take this one wash it down and you’ll be fine.” These lines hit me the hardest. It’s not just the drug industry and how big pharma only produces medications that are designed to fix one problem while causing 1-2 new ones. The words stab at healthcare professionals like myself who are the ones that administer medications. As a Psych RN I often have to educate my patients about medication and while I haven’t said these exact words the meaning is the same. It’s a broken system. The pills only do so much and often patients don’t want to take them. This is such a powerful message.

[@bobbysneed9045]

I absolutely love Chinchilla. The 2 of them together is just next level. This is one of my favorites by either of them, so amazing.

[@jayeshleman480]

One of the things I haven't seen many comments about is that ren has expanded his talents to help content creators also. His work has caused so many people to get into doing and watching reactions. He connects people in so many real ways. I love your reactions so far and you have a pretty deep soul yourself! I wish you the world my friend keep the ren coming let's help build love and understanding through him and his work. These reactions will help him earn the respect he truly deserves. Mainstream music on the radio these days is purely selfish and full of the wrong messages that are ruining the younger generations. Thank you so much for your incredible reactions God bless you and your family

[@YoungbloodPoetry]

God bless you too

[@nickfindsgold9788]

Chinchilla "Oh my my" indeed. What a performance, she has a range and vocal power to match with Ren. Her control is outstanding, especially considering where she comes in kind of scrunched up in the corner, tough to sing like that

[@cubbance]

That bit at the end, the final "oh my my" part that Chinchilla sings never fails to give me chills. So good, and it's my favorite moment to see reactor's react to.

[@ktwhimsy6946]

Yesssss… the feeling she expresses in that moment is so relatable. Gives me goosies too ❤️‍🩹

[@ladyofthelake5950]

Chinchillas nails are her armour! I first saw her on the voice this song was my introduction to Ren !

[@annaspurlock439]

I’m super looking forward to you checking out his two songs Depression and Insomnia. They’re not quite spoken word, but pretty close to that and super cool and emotionally hard-hitting.

[@epishmeh]

Hey I’ve watched probably a couple dozen reactions to this performance, and I think you are the first one to put together the light flicker associated with Chinchilla’s off-camera arrival!

[@chrisskarsbo]

You got a like from me the moment you said maybe I'll make videos like this for my poems. I don't have the skill.... Yet. Made me so happy to literally see a moment of true inspiration and aspiration. Go for it brother!!

[@krisprepolec5616]

Speaking of Ren as a bard, I can’t wait to see your reaction to his “Ballad of Jenny and Screech-full”. It is a story in three parts, and the end will kill you.

[@YoungbloodPoetry]

I've reacted to it, and really enjoyed it

[@ensvensktigerhaj]

I've listened to this track before, but this was the first time that I watched them perform it. And now I'm crying. I never really cry and so I think I needed this. Damnit Ren is good and so is Chinchilla. Oh and the commentary was good. Found yoourself a new subscriber today.

[@startingfingerstyle]

Hi. have enjoyed your Ren reactions. This one was interesting. Personally, I think looking for meaning in the book titles in the opening sequence is a bit of a stretch. I feel that section is window dressing, setting a mood. If anyone knows for certain that I'm wrong and there's deep significance, I'd love to know! The Chalk Outlines reference doesn't make me think of dead bodies at a crime scene, although the link there is obvious. In my adult life I've spent two extended periods of time on Sertraline for depression. It takes a good week or so to take effect (on me, at least). When taking it, the 'bad stuff' doesn't worry you, that destructive introspection that plagues many of us isn't so harsh. However, in my case, the 'good stuff' didn't excite me either. I was very much on a plateau as far as emotion was concerned. The highs and lows were somewhat levelled out. I functioned perfectly well, but it really was a bit like watching life through a net curtain, or perhaps walking around in a chalk outline. Certainly, I wasn't fully alive. The 'take it just in case' line...... wow! Yes! It took me some time to realise that I was missing the highs as well as the lows, and eventually, you want those highs back, but dare you wean yourself off the stuff? I guess I took it for longer than I needed, 'just in case'. I came off it slowly and eventually the highs returned, and I could cope far better with the occasional low! The other immensely powerful line in here is the gallows reference. What an image, struggling to balance on tip toes with the noose around your neck. It's a terrifying struggle at times, but it's the only way you'll manage to breathe, and while you're struggling with that, there's no room in your life for anything else. I think several of Ren's songs should be on the curriculum for sixth forms/colleges/universities. I know that a lecturer at Cardiff University has already incorporated Hi Ren into his pastoral care work. I'm sure others will be following. Sorry, rant over!

[@simonbevan3992]

@@startingfingerstyle thank you for sharing your experiences, they’re authentic and insightful. I think you’re right about the book titles at the beginning - they sound like old ledgers from an accounting department so perhaps this is just an old storage space. Very atmospheric space. Like you, I’d love to know if anyone knows different.

[@gemmabailey5791]

"sertaline and a sip of serotonin" that's the rule.told to take another to feel fine and normal but you never really are.i have anxiety and depression and on sertaline.god bless you sir. and god bless ren ❤✌🏼

[@sammyd8860]

If you liked this one (their chemistry is amazing), make sure you watch How To Be Me (live version Ren & Chinchilla again)

[@CarrieLynn-lyrics]

Hey there, so in the opening sequence did you notice no covers on the books? The titles are written on the pages not a spine cover. My take is don't judge a book by its cover. 😊

[@woodywoodman2319]

Wait til ya see his Ocean, Crucify your Culture, Life is Funny, Humble... You like spoken word... Rap... OMGoodness Bro... You Gotta See Them!!!

[@mldkenny]

Raw emotion and Raw talent at its absolute very best. This song gets me everything , so powerful....and there are others by them!!! I now love Chinchilla as an artist as when as Ren, and if you want a real treat " Fingers Live " is awesome by Chinchilla.

[@gabbymcclymont3563]

Excellent reaction, I am a happy bunny holidaying in Rens rabbit hole. One of my favourites is " Children of the Moon " amazing.

[@maxmacpherson1957]

It's definitely an excellent choice!

[@caseyatwell2801]

This is my favorite song of his, between him, Tom, Nf - my own poetry motivation has gotten bigger

[@loadedorygun]

YES. Find you somebody who has tools and skills with video and lighting and art direction and make it complete. Part of Ren’s genius is his attention to most every detail (tho I think but don’t know that those books were just there randomly lol). The room was very much chosen for the acoustics. The wardrobe. The flickering lighting and roaming camera. Donald Glover also comes to mind as someone who delivers a complete package. Your words are your core but when you paint a vivid picture the words come harder. Peace and love, good luck! PS This is the best male female duet I’ve seen since Billy Preston and Syreeta.

[@serendipitish]

@Youngblood Poetry - If you don't already know someone in love with a camera, maybe find your local film school, attend an event or two, mingle and see if you hit it off with anyone who is eager to create art. Most of Ren's videos are filmed by his friend @Samuel Perry-Falvey (who appears with him in front of the camera in "Power"), and together they are greater than the sum of their parts. I love the camera choreography in this one, that creates intimacy and gently cradles the emotions, instead of merely capturing them.

[@Kenai2008]

Good reaction ... I will be checking out your poetry for sure! You should react to some Chinchilla music as well. Her live version of "Fingers" is insanely good.

[@maxmacpherson1957]

New Chinchilla release coming on 21st April!

[@bonesonstones1]

​@@maxmacpherson1957 it might not be the most poetic, but it's a fucking banger for sure

[@kellie7180]

Totally agree

[@sjd7810]

First time watcher....... Ren has a lyrical poetry that disects the human condition as it is in modern day and is a sensational artist. On the poetry front? If you havent already then do look up (Dr) John Cooper Clark! A literal living legend and poet without peer ( no offence 😊) .... specifically Chicken Town ( my personal favourite) or Twat! All of it is savagely poignant and an accurate disection of society ( albeit with a heavy British bias). Cool reaction, thank you 👍

[@sachemsiouxx]

Hey man, psych nurse from France here. Best of luck and perseverance in your endeavors. It's a hard job but I couldn't make anything else. You can read some of Patricia Deegan's work regarding recovery on top of more traditionnal nurse researchers.

[@CrimsonBane]

I love the erase ourselves in these chalk outlines, as that is all that remains

[@emileedawn237]

Felt so welcome watching you. You blended your poetry, personality, career, dreams, and Chalk Outlines together so smoothly. Been watching Ren reaction since Christmas and you one of the few to read the titles.

[@jimmibarr6433]

His spoken word “marked” is dope too great video, also “rise”.. respect bro

[@TheSyncos]

I'm a simple man. I see the word Ren, and I'm here for it. But all of his other fans will be telling you the dozen other tracks to check out. So instead, I'm gonna suggest you check out "Watsky - Lovely Things Suite" if you're not familliar. Watsky is another artist that started with poetry.

[@71seankey]

Definitely make a video of your poems.

[@peggyhoward3187]

You need to see Chinchilla fingers live ❤ Ren and her in this is beautiful ❤

[@ideasmeltlikesnow1143]

I think the books are old accounts from the days before it was all done in spreadsheets on computers!

[@jimmibarr6433]

That chair SNAP!!!! Got me good first time lol

[@zed4225]

I noted the patient records, like in the basement of a hospital.

[@davidricks7128]

Walking around in chalk outlines is the effect meds have on you it makes you feel like your out of body looking down on yourself

[@colinperkins7564]

If you love this, wait ‘til you hear ‘How To Be Me’, again with Chinchilla. Decide whether you want to know the background of the song (and video) first - there is one, it’s very poignant and makes a difference, but you may just want to come to the track first and listen on its own merits. Either way though, well…make your own mind up, obviously, but for me it’s the most amazing piece of music I’ve heard in years and years.

[@JimGraham-jj8fv]

Plus she named that certain medication because it sounds like such relief double .

[@Taratara-uc8pn]

Really loved you reaction and your vibe - I’ve subscribed to see more.! @Chinchilla_music is amazing as a lyricist so I think you’d love some of her solo stuff (Fingers LIVE for Hunger TV is awesome for vocals and as a work of art)

[@Phoenix_flying]

Just saw this. Great reaction. Subscribed.

[@TashaBryanRENegade]

Chalk Outlines - the medication Sertraline (SSRI) what they're singing about, that's one of my main meds. Without them I don't know where I am in my head. I hate the reliance I have, yet without them I'm vicious and destroy myself.

[@DawnStyleArt]

“I spit rise.” I like it.

[@Lou-xq9br]

Here for it! 🔥💙🔥

[@MalcolmMXTaylor]

A great reaction, you are the first reactor to try pick up on the books and if they had any meaning, I don't know and haven't seen anything mentioned about it before, but it's deffo a question for Ren at his next twitch livestream!!! Looking forward to what you think of sick boi!!

[@EydeRedman]

I love how it seems that ren is kinda inspiring you ❤

[@YoungbloodPoetry]

He really is inspiring me. He’s even had an influence on how I craft my poems.

[@EydeRedman]

That makes me so happy!:))❤️

[@aimeekeel]

This is such a great song. I think you are the first person who I watched that actually read the titles, and knowing Ren was everything means something.

[@michaelgilreath1025]

Your the first reactor out of over 100 O watched that noticed what they were wearing!

[@texas8322]

Ren's take on creating a song like this is from when he was misdiagnosed by doctors and fed psych drugs when he was actually suffering from Lymes disease. That's his inspiration behind a couple of his more recent songs like "Sick Boi". And your right, the one take in that hallway is awesome.

[@shazza175]

Really enjoying your Ren journey! Appreciate you!

[@Dkiddeh]

Ren is insaneee... YBP Could you react to "Losing it" from Ren ? The bars in combination with the beat he uses.. insane. Anyway keep up the great work man, much love.

[@Tessimistic420]

YES! Here for you #chinchilla #Ren ALWAYS ❤️

[@janinewalker1748]

Dominoes official lyric video and ready for you ❤❤❤

[@cbird02]

You gotta see the live version of How to by Me with Chinchilla!

[@sebastianjuul2940]

For what I’ve heard from other reactions the books have their title written on the pages to symbolize “don’t judge a book by its cover”

[@BCElginTex]

LOL, when I saw their white clothing my brain said "straitjacket".

[@dawnpatterson8708]

Ren, is inspiring people in amazing ways. You go, take the inspiration and RUN with it.

[@Z_question]

Chalk Outline is how you feel you appear to the world when on that drug. You don't know how to feel. Like you want to feel happy but you feel guilt if you do. It's hard to explain.

[@douglasmcgary]

This song is about the feelings that you get or lack there of when you take the pills that they give you so you don’t feel the way you normally feel. Some people have compared it to not feeling anything like they are dead hence the chalk outline.

[@texas8322]

Oh, and a reaction video of this song by a neurologist has her explaining that many patients suffering depression and on some of those psych pills, say that they don't feel real and that they feel like they exist in the world as an outline or shell of themselves. But I can see the chalk outlines having a couple meanings as well.

[@adrienne1958l]

Ren and Chinchilla do a cover of Marvin Gay's Sexual Healing ( Live) in the street. A must see .

[@pirobot668beta]

"I'm scared of being OK, because all things change..."

[@thinuslamprecht6124]

Just absolutely beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤

[@majbrat]

Powerful

[@MCP920]

Beautiful.

[@amethysttravis4894]

Thank you👏👏👏

[@1tommymulligan]

Chinchilla with Ren is sublime in How to be Me (Live) really stunning masterpiece of lyrics and harmonies, it's about suicide awareness and I believe it's videoed on the bridge where Ren's friend ended his life. The lyrics are very poetic.

[@belinda35]

I've watched many reactions to this video, and I've not seen anyone even mention the books. I've never thought of them either. Great catch! Great reaction. Came here for Ren, but I'm subscribing for you.

[@Luke-qf3ue]

I know this is a serious video but the inadvertent bar had me laughing.

[@marianneszijj]

Love your enthusiasm and attention to detail. I’ll be sure to check out your original work and other recommendations. I don’t know what the book titles and dates mean in this video, but Ren is very intentional and likes to hide “easter eggs” in his videos so may mean something. In any case, I agree this song is beautiful on many levels. I love how in sync they are in their collaborations too. Really powerful stuff… 💔❤️‍🩹❤️

[@dancerbird76]

Love your reaction to Chalk Outlines - Ren & Chinchilla have such chemistry when they sing together- this song always gives me goosebumps. Another great Ren & Chinchilla video is How to be me (Live) - thought provoking lyrics in that song too.

[@1tommymulligan]

Chinchilla with Ren is sublime in How to be Me (Live) really stunning masterpiece of lyrics and harmonies, it's about suicide awareness and I believe it's videoed on the bridge where Ren's friend ended his life.

[@jice7074]

I really enjoyed your reaction to this video. A great mix of commentary on the topic and appreciation for the performance itself without an abundance of stops.

[@irenestubbings7856]

Love your reaction wow!

[@jenniferedwards9005]

I really liked your reaction to this song. I've seen a lot of reactions to this somg and as usual everyone loves it but I really liked how you explained it and understood it quite well. I think you'd really appreciate, How to be me, live version, as well. These two songs have become my favorites lately. Have a great night to you and everyone stopping by here tonight..much love!

[@Odderetegg]

Great reaction!

[@jakelindsey5321]

The chalk outline could also be a similar metaphor of the mask. It could represent a generic human shape where we bury ourselves behind the mask/chalk outline or what we should be/feel/represent instead of showing who we actually are.

[@Theogvineofthedead]

Oh cool, I've been studying organic chemistry with a focus on psychedelics and their relationship throughout societies with a focus on behavioral and chemical exchanges

[@acegardner4425]

I heard somewhere that those are case files at the beginning..like could be psychiatric, could be legal precedents

[@leanneh5293]

Such a hauntingly beautiful tune. The subject matter hits you hard. These two are so immensely talented. ❤❤

[@tooshay7396]

at 4:42 animation flashing the satanic devil horns hand symbol. they do it in RL and in cartoons a lot

[@ambercimburek6872]

you should make videos like this with your poetry I would watch it

[@MelissaP90]

Music to me is poetry! You should do it! Then music will have meaning, because poetry is written with emotion.

[@Pebeoblue]

I just noticed all the books on the shelf were placed backwards, with the spine against the wall. Hmmm 🤔

[@adam.4487]

Think that lights flicker was spooky, next for you is an older Ren video "Children of the Moon" a Ren idea of a scary movie. It's kind of weird but fun. :)

[@andymcpandy2128]

Ren is a Baird, and that makes me happy because I can finally use the Shakespeare joke in a contemporary format. Ren walks into a pub....

[@SuzanneDeniseB]

💙💙💙

[@meilaw2877]

Yes..How to be Me next pls!

[@ClampsBert]

Man, you still gotta do 'How To Be Me (live)' from Ren and Chinchilla.

[@sirteabag8652]

modern day Bard ? Bardcore!

[@amandacollins2854]

I think you would like "how to be me" about Rens friend who commited suicide ,it is also with chinchilla and is just as good if not better.

[@metracy42]

Just a comment to confuse the algorithms. Great reaction 😊xx

[@YoungbloodPoetry]

Thank you!! 😁

[@18Wolves77]

Can't see that anyone else has mentioned, so to point out a couple of things... Sertraline is a brand name for an anxiety drug in the UK (and maybe elsewhere I'm not sure... a little like Xanax I guess). And the books at the start... they are company record books - depreciation, as in a record of their assets and values and other general bookkeeping stuff. Not sure of the relevance, but that's what they were

[@Melly01]

In my interpretation, they are patients at some sort of institution, which is what I got from both of their white outfits and that utilitarian hallway. To me it felt like a found friendship and connection between two patients, two people suffering very similarly, understanding each other completely and connecting in their pain. I imagine them both wandering around where they weren't necessarily supposed to and winding up in a disused area. I say disused area by the dates on the books (I didn't see any other meaning in the dates, but that doesn't mean there weren't.) And the way he found the guitar and the chair indicated to me that someone else, likely someone on staff, comes there on his/her breaks to get away from everyone and play their music. Everything about the chalk outlines (to me) screams that the mental health drugs are killing them both inside, killing their emotions and feelings. They trace themselves, erase themselves, the outlines float because they're up and walking, but nobody's alive inside of them. I honestly don't think it matters how you interpret it and everyone will get something different, but whatever story you find in it, the point is that there IS a story to find and something that many, many people will connect with on different levels with their own interpretations. Ren always comes with those lines that stick in your head ... "But so it goes, let it be; In the gallows, I balanced on my toes; So I can breathe ..." Which is such a visual of barely hanging in there ...