Therapist Reacts to: Renegade by Big Red Machine Feat. Taylor Swift (loving an addict?!)

[@aaabbbbyswift13]

Me when I'm listening to Taylor: I need a therapist A therapist listening to Taylor: *starts crying*

[@bchris7350]

This is so accurate!

[@bobbyrw1398]

Also, Forever Winter, as others have pointed out, is a poignant song about mental health. She's written several on the subject. Funny how she's criticized for only writing break-up songs.

[@mendwithmere]

So true! I think I’ll do a blind reaction to it since I haven’t heard it yet.

[@kameelhassoun6063]

@@mendwithmere omg yes please do , I think you’ll love it.

[@bobbyrw1398]

@@mendwithmere I'll be looking for it.

[@randystalnaker6700]

Agree 💯%

[@avamaeoneill]

also tied together with a smile, from her very first album

[@roiaknin]

For me this song isn't really about addiction, but about mental health in general and specifically anxiety and probably depression.

[@truep7630]

this what are people talking about

[@mendwithmere]

Yes, this is just my viewpoint as a loved one of an addict. Not saying I’m 100% right

[@Txanaplays1]

I feel this also applies to anyone with a mental health condition who’s behavior affects those around them but they refuse to acknowledge they need help and that their condition not only affects them but has a huge impact on those who love them and who are trying to have a healthier relationship with them without being consumed by their misery and or issues.

[@mendwithmere]

Yes, agreed.

[@123456789babaq]

this fits so many things. depression, addiction and just mental health in general, but to me when I first heard it I broke down crying because it felt like she had looked into my heart and my soul and saw the struggle that I have with myself. to me, it was a Confession/conversation by me, for me.

[@tiff5756]

In light of “you’re losing me” I really feel like this song was her addressing issues in the relationship a year ago…and these issues later turned into the issues she addressed in you’re losing me. In renegade she says “is it really your anxiety that stops you from giving me everything or do you just not want to?” Vs in you’re losing me saying “I wouldn’t marry me either” and “I’ve got nothing to believe unless you’re choosing me”

[@pravinyavalluri8964]

I feel like a similar theme also shows up layer in so long,london

[@tiff5756]

@@pravinyavalluri8964 absolutely

[@RandomPerson-bc6td]

I interpreted the, “Are you really gonna talk about timing in times like these,” as the other person saying that their relationship would work if they met at a different point in their lives. In a way the singer is like saying that you're blaming it on the timing instead of doing better.

[@carolinalins]

I have a friend that went to rehab and she had pushed me away bc she knew what I’d say, when she got out she invited me to her house and I told her that this song reminded me of her and she said “I dont want you to feel like i am a burden” and my answer to her is that she’s not a burden but that i need her as much as she needs me bc I too have mental health issues and she made me happy. I didn’t know this song was about addiction at the time, but it’s exactly how I felt

[@izzalp]

Death by a thousand cuts ruins me every single time. I can’t listen without crying ❤

[@Satans_Niece]

this song hit so hard in this exact way when my old friend who I was in love with was going through alcoholism and depression. so wonderfully written

[@bobbyrw1398]

Thank you for your unique take (but maybe actually completely on point) on this song. btw, Big Red Machine is Aaron Dessner's band. Funny how things come full circle sometimes.

[@mendwithmere]

Yes, it’s pretty crazy. Thank you for watching and subscribing. Please let me know if there’s any other songs or topics you’d like my take on!

[@bobbyrw1398]

@@mendwithmere As a therapist, I wonder, what is your take on Taylor's music videos "I Knew You Were Trouble" and "Blank Space". Both center around dysfunctional characters and circumstances.

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

This song absolutely did fly under the radar, just learned of it today and was so happy to see your review.

[@i-liv-you7423]

I LOVE this song and also you!!. I mean I love the way mere tells about depression and makes all her sad audience

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you!

[@LAVISHING]

Loved writing this Taylor and Big Red Machine. I understand that you are taking this as an addict, yet it’s not all about addicts. Although, I can definitely think of some of my friends who were addicts. Unfortunately they passed away really young.

[@crystale4070]

I think that the repetitiveness of these lyrics are reminiscent of the cycle addicts go through and take the people they love with them on that emotional rollercoaster, over and over again. Also, all the references to damage is the emotional damage they cause to those who love them by hating themselves and continuing to hurt themselves emotionally and physically. When you want j someone you love hate themself and hurt themselves over and over it damages you. This song is so sad but every lyric is so emotional and intentional.

[@lostximagination]

This song always gets me. The comparison to loving an addict is really compelling, though if you look at other songs it does seem like it probably about Joe's experiences with depression & anxiety (see: "But I'm a fire and I'll keep your brittle heart warm; If your cascade ocean wave blues come" from Peace (another song I'd love to see you react to)) and the way that they've affected Taylor.

[@VioletEmerald]

Love this interpretation.

[@mendwithmere]

I’m just viewing this from my personal experience, I’m not exactly connecting to Joe.

[@Jellybeansatdusk]

This song is what I fear all my loved ones feel like as someone who has struggled with self destructive tendencies and shutting people out. This is like my greatest fear realized 😭

[@brucebrown3837]

I could only imagine the field day you (we) could have dissecting Taylors lyrics online! Please do this!

[@carolbeardmore8771]

Hi! I LOVE dissecting her lyrics! It feels like a hobby of mine haha. Thank you for watching and subscribing. More to come :)

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

Very interesting!!! This is the first time I’ve ever heard the theory that this is about addiction. However, it works. Completely. To me, my interpretation is that this is not her perspective, she is the one who is depressed and having her darkest night. Her boyfriend Joe is the one that stayed and helped her. The reason I think this is the lyrical parallels between Call it What You Want, which is very much about her relationship with Joe at the worst time of her life, when she was a rock bottom, and couldn’t hardly even get through one day that was a chore. This song has many lyrical parallels which makes me believe this is more about her depression in 2016. Another song that parallels this story is evermore. How, she was drowning, catching her death, being tossed around in a storm and the only light that kept her going. Love the analyses. I agree with the other suggestion about Forever Winter, which is again about depression/addiction in which her friend committed suicide. Then, I’d suggest evermore which goes with this song and Call it What you Want. Finally, another song about addiction is called This is Me Trying. I like the lyrics on that song, and to hear her discuss how no one knows how hard someone is trying each day when they are going through an internal struggle. And, just each day they try try try.

[@mendwithmere]

Wow! Thank you so much for watching and giving such an amazing analysis. It totally makes sense that Joe picked her up during her depression. I also remember that during the long pond sessions, Adam Dessner, who co wrote the song, talked about his depression and how it has impacted his family. I wonder if they both connected over that experience. I’ve also never heard forever winter and I’ll def check it out and the others. Please share to anyone you think would enjoy this channel!

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

@@mendwithmere I really like forever winter.

[@Txanaplays1]

I really think Joe was the one that needed help with his mental health not her. Many of Those songs can also be interpreted as she was dealing with his issues and trying to make it work.

[@Txanaplays1]

Also, It seems to me that he always made her feel as if she was the one that needed to change until she realized. He was the one that need it to get his &$$#$ together. Not sure but I feel he seems to struggle with social anxiety and the spotlight was too much for him. She had to give up her norm to make him happy. Just look at their relationship 6 years and she was rarely seen with him walking around like normal people. There are a few pics but for 6 years there far to few. That’s very telling. Narcissistic people always blame the other for all their shortcomings- gaslighting, making them feel they are the one with the problem. Just listen to her songs … he is perfect, she’s always at fault and needs fixing.

[@Txanaplays1]

@Txanaplays1 0 seconds ago I got the impression that it was him (Joe) who suffered from anxiety ( social) and he hated the public eye. & she is the complete opposite - she needed - to breath and he was suffocating her with his need to hide their relationship out of the public eye. She could not have a normal free life with him. As normal as she could within her circumstances. He made it so much worse.

[@camryn5709]

While I see how it can fit addiction, I also got the vibe of just being mentally ill and self-destructive.

[@mendwithmere]

Absolutely!

[@lizmills340]

I once heard someone comment that the out of step harmonies at the end show how the subject and the speaker are out of step with each other

[@singerg02]

I've never thought of this song in the context of addiction or even mental health. I've always thought of it as Taylor speaking to someone who's afraid to fall in love or be loved by anyone and is trying to convince them that it's gonna be okay. Because they're not the first Renegade (rebel, someone who runs away from conventional things like love and relationships) to need somebody.

[@crystale4070]

That’s good song writing though… it can be related to many different relationship aspects, mental health, addiction, someone scared to let love in….

[@crystale4070]

This song stirs something inside of me. I definite believe it could be related to loving an addict or alcoholic. If you have ever been in this situation, it’s like she’s making a poetic version of what we as partners or family of addicts go through.😢

[@mendwithmere]

Yes! I agree completely. You will like my book if you like this song.

[@ezequielynoa8845]

We missed an important part because the videos mostly don’t at these but it’s so painful for me to hear when Taylor says “You wouldn’t be the first to renegade” and the chorus starts “To Need Somebody X2” but taylor says too “I need somebody” she’s asking them to wake up because she also needs to feel loved.

[@luisespinaljr]

Forever winter is a wonderful song I would to see you react to🥰🥰

[@carolbeardmore8771]

Hi! Thanks for watching and subscribing! Yes, everyone is mentioning this song so I’ll definitely react for you all!

[@esk2g]

I appreciate your sensitivity to addicts even though you’re on the other side but you still understand the disease.

[@juliafukuda8583]

This was a wild ride. Thank you for this.

[@VioletEmerald]

Never heard this song before! I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan but this wasn't on her albums and i definitely missed most of the ones that weren't. This was so great to see, your very first reaction video! I'm thinking about starting my own Taylor Swift reaction channel for the new album.

[@JoyanneGuastella]

Thank you for all your reactions.. I've followed you for a long time now but this is one that I constantly come back to because it soothes my soul and makes me feel like I'm not crazy.. so yeah.. thank you so much!

[@mendwithmere]

That means everything to me! You are not crazy but you are made to feel that way. Sending you love and thank you for watching my videos!!

[@krishbaliyan118]

Oh! That's awesome. I like your content. Keep doing that.

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you!!! ♥️

[@kxue]

This song reminds me of the first few months of my current relationship of 2 and a half years. I have PTSD and anxiety from a former abusive relationship which lasted a bit less than 3 years. I've always imagined my current boyfriend telling me all this to make me better. Thank you for your insight on this ❤️

[@mariaeduardamendes7492]

pleaseee react to forever winter, the archer, this is me trying and evermore, i believe u gonna like!!

[@mendwithmere]

Hi Maria! Thanks for watching and subscribing to my channel! I will definitely react to your suggestions!

[@natanwashere]

@@mendwithmere and also "Clean", a song from her 5th album called 1989. i really would love to see how you would break down the lyrics too! because i just love how you did it with this song. thank you!

[@hbloom]

I love this song so much. Very on point. Can you please review "Right where you left me"? ❤️

[@nourmalak3544]

how come your channel is not popular ?? I love this video so much hope you continue and give us more vids like this

[@mendwithmere]

Haha thank you!! Thank you SO much for watching and subscribing! I’ll def put out more like these. Let me know what you want me to react to! Please send to your friends so that it gets popular :)

[@TransDragon]

I think this song is about Taylor from someone else. In this song the person says 'I knocked on the window on your darkest night' and in Call it What You Want Taylor says 'Starry eyes sparkin' up my darkest night'. It's like both songs are about the same event from different POVs

[@tp5422]

Just found your channel! I absolutely love that after only the first line you were like “I don’t want to cry” 😅 this song hit me like a ton of bricks when it came out so I’m so happy you reacted to it!🥰 excited to watch your other videos☺️

[@wovenriddles5642]

This song resonates with my bpd and how I believe it damaged my soon to be ex husband.

[@sunbearwithwrinklesonback]

You talking about your future history made me sad

[@wovenriddles5642]

Makes me sad too.

[@Ashlieimaginepeace]

This is me trying needs to be next!

[@mendwithmere]

Getting ready to post it now! ❤️ thank you for watching and subscribing

[@DeanBactung]

Loved your reaction!

[@reputationcardigan3175]

Do listen to Birch too. It's a great song.

[@Tess7]

I think after tortured poets, this could be about Matty Healy - idk if the timeline fits so it could be about Joe Either way, it’s a great song

[@carrot5419]

you kinda remind me of abby from 9-1-1 (so pretty!!)

[@Azra.h37]

Im really late but renegade sounds like a song that could've been in folklore or evermore

[@ThatJackWrites]

I can't believe this is what started your journey doing reactions, You looked like you did this a million times.

[@mendwithmere]

It is!!!!! I guess I’m a natural? Haha

[@ThatJackWrites]

@@mendwithmere also, you always say you pause too much, but you really don't!

[@madisondoner9904]

You should do tied together with a smile

[@shinalee29]

I interpreted it as someone else's pov towards the person singing like her bf's pov of her and him telling her to get her shit together.

[@Belle0393]

Please could you react to Champagne Problems?

[@Omnia-oc4wt]

I think she's talking about depression not addiction.

[@rturney6376]

Do you think 💭 any of her songs are about Selena and Justin?

[@RhondaBush-fu3we]

Not about addiction She would not be that insensitive This is about frightful Joe

[@mendwithmere]

This is just my take and I don’t know tons about him so wasn’t coming from that perspective.

[@RhondaBush-fu3we]

@@mendwithmere I wasn’t trying to be rude It’s just that Taylor is very sensitive to people with addiction and She wrote it about the time they started falling apart Who really knows???

[@mendwithmere]

@@RhondaBush-fu3weI totally agree! It’s just such a beautiful song! The fact that it can invoke so much in so many people says so much

[@nanubatuta]

Please react to clean!

[@ChristinaRoot-bs9ly]

Yah😢this match I and my guy there is some different thought and are you for real therapist cause I really think you and would be good fit Christina

[@guitarbush05]

Weak take on music and emotion. A psychology degree doesn't mean your barking opinion is in anyway correct in the interpretation of this

[@mendwithmere]

Barking opinion? 😂 it’s my interpretation, but yes, art is subjective so there can be other takes. Thank you for watching.

[@guitarbush05]

You're not even listening to the music lol

[@cruisingwithlacruz1803]

Wow. Just wow. Your videos are SO good. Channel seems to be taking off too. Keep em coming ❤️

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you for the support!