❤🙏Suicide Prevention Hotline in the US 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 🌎Suicide Prevention Hotline for other Countries en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines 🟣You can always join our awesome Music community on discord if you just want to chat about music or what ever. There is someone always there to talk. discord.gg/gUVfvVzGjX Ren REACTION playlist kzfaq.info/sun/PL1flmTbuu_RE2YGS5riHVbIpGi-bb42D_

In an interview with Knox Hill, REN said the only reason he didn't end his life is because his friend did it first and he had to experience what it did to everyone around him. He decided that he couldn't put all of his friends and family through that, no matter how hard it got for him.

I put this in the chat but feel the need to add it here as well. What drew me to Ren in the first place is his willingness to display such open vulnerability and emotion. It's not always easy or comfortable to watch but it's so genuine that it completely draws you in. Watching your reactions to these deep songs like this one and chalk outlines - is very similar. You share that trait with Ren - that willingness to just be real and let it show. It resonates with me, and so many others

I’ve watched this live performance a few hundred times over the last 6 months. And I still can’t stop myself from tearing up. At least I’m past the full on ugly crying stage…

Really appreciate this one man. Raw and unfiltered. And I love your riffs at the end of each video.

Your very human reaction added all the value that was needed bro. Never appologise for being moved by art, especially art of that calibre.

So incredible to see someone not only connect with the emotion displayed in the song, but also not afraid to show it. Amazing reaction sir.

Oh Alan 😢 I knew you'd struggle with this one. When you had to swallow your emotions down with a sip of your coffee so early on in the piece I wondered how you'd get through it. It's painfully beautiful 💔

Thank you for being genuine. Ren reactions are a form of group therapy. We're much stronger together. Keep doing what you do!

Your reaction touched me in the same way this incredible song did. The song seems to pay tribute to Ren’s late friend Joe Hughes who tragically took his own life and what an amazing tribute it is. I find myself wiping away my tears every time I hear it. Thank you.

I appreciate how much you connect to the emotion of songs you react to. I feel like my tear ducts are directly linked to music, especially with how emotionally raw Ren is. Thanks for reacting to this one!

If ever there has been a community that lifts one another up it is Ren's. Thank you for sharing despite your reservations and thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable. I truly do hope that you do a breakdown video of this song, I always learn something new and truly appreciate your efforts. No doubt that this video will find its way to someone that needs it in just the right moment for them. Appreciate you & your efforts. Peace friend.

This is what's so amazing about Ren's music, that ability to profoundly affect the listener emotionally.

Just wanted to thank you for your reactions. Because you were pointing out the panning, I have gone back and relistened with headphones. I now have a whole new level of respect for this guys music and production skills. Thank you 🙏🏻

"Not much of music analysis there..." On the contrary, having music hit you so hard is indeed a ringing endorsement. I've heard this song at least 20 times now, it still makes me tear up. The pain in their voices is real and we can hear it.

This one, crutch, and freckled angels gets me every time!

Not being able to really speak to the song and it's content immediately after is a real and valid reaction. Being able to play at the end, through the emotion, speaks volumes. Great reaction. Do more Ren, please.

Your playing is so moving. That sensativity serves you well in your music. 😢 I couldnt have imagined Ren's last part there having more of an impact... and then you did that! I'm stunned by your talent.

Just an aside - this is *not* recorded on the bridge where Joe Hughes lost his battle. I'm not taking a shot at anyone, I believed the same myself for a long time. I just want to put the record straight. It's a common misunderstanding, but people who know the area in question confirmed it's definitely not. Google Menai Suspension Bridge, it's an old stone and steel bridge, looks nothing like the video location. In fact there's some question over whether this is recorded on a bridge at all. If you watch the background very closely, it seems to be on a roof terrace somewhere. Apart from that, great reaction - thank you for allowing us to see your true emotions - I find it hard to get through this masterpiece without tearing up as well. Damn onion ninjas! 😭 Their voices are *perfect* together, the synchronisation and harmonies are astonishing, and that humming section before 'I can't breathe..' just sends shivers down my spine every time. The only words I have for this song and performance are 'beautifully devastating'.

75 years old and crying right alongside you. Two masters joined in song will do that to you...

Ren is simply a divine human being, he touches the soul where others can't and of course Chinchilla is such an important part of the magic. Thank you for doing this one and the sharing your raw emotions and like yawning, tears are catching!

Thank you for another genuine heartfelt reaction. As for "How to Be Me," Ren's best friend, Joe Hughes, committed suicide on the 27th of December, 2010 by jumping off the Menai Suspension Bridge; his body was never recovered. Ren alluded to it in one of his songs, stating that he lost his best friend before he was 25. The pain of this loss is evident in a few of his songs, "Freckled Angels" being one example. It is dedicated to Joe Hughes. Someone else commented that the video was shot at the bridge that Ren's friend jumped from, however, others have stated that this is misinformation. Their live performance of "Chalk Outlines" is still my favorite song, partly because I can relate to it due to my own daily struggles. Although, losing your best friend to suicide is also something I experienced when I was 19 y/o (almost 38 years ago). “How to Be Me” definitely runs a close second, though. I would recommend you check out their busking sessions in Brighton, performing “Sexual Healing” (Marvin Gaye cover) and “One Dance / Drunk In Love” (Drake/Beyoncé cover); those performances are of a much lighter mood and very enjoyable. I hope you will continue to dive into Ren's and Chinchilla's catalogs.

Tissues are a must have 😭

Ren is magical. An artist that is so authentic, pours his soul into every creation. Thank you Cliff for being so brave and vulnerable by openly feeling. You will help so so many people to let them know they are not alone. You are a true gentleman ❤ Thank you. Have to mention your skills too... you are a natural on the guitar. Brilliant. 😊

Together their voices are magic and visceral.

I am excited to hear your thoughts and your appreciation for this duet. It is a masterclass in dynamics and phrasing and near angelic.

Yep, very emotional! If you’ve been touched by the ‘subject’ you know 👍🇬🇧 🥲

The part that kills me, as a person that has been singing my whole life, is the breath control. To hit those notes, without screaming them, takes so much control. You have to perfectly measure the exhalation to get those smooth notes... And the way they extend them. Beautiful and intricate... And so hard to do. Especially when you factor in the emotion that he's obviously feeling. P.S.- I have the same reaction as you, everytime I listen to this song.

That's the reaction that this song deserves. There's something about Ren's material which bonds us together as people.

Thank you for being so open and genuine with your reaction. I thought for a minute you would pause to gain your composure. I'm so glad you didn't. Ren's music is teaching generations of humanity to tune in to their empathy, to not be afraid of emotion, but to share it with others. Distributing the shared pain across a wider surface area lifts us all up like snow shoes on deep, powdery snow. It's time for the self-centered, self-gratification era to end. I truly believe happiness is found in helping others rise up to their potential. Before you know it, you are up there right along with them. ❤

I have sobbed listening to Ren - his songs touch something deep in you that you didn’t even know was there ! 💜

That looked like a hard one for you. It's so important that young men see other men being with their feelings, so thank you for being so open in this way. A heartfelt reaction which is very much appreciated.

we need to group hug this guy

I love this song despite the fact that it always hits me right in the heart. It makes me relive when my little brother died and tears up the longing for him - again - and again - and again. It is OK. I loved my brother and he deserves every tear.❤ Thank you for daring to share your vulnerability with all of us. Strong people have the courage you show here ❤🙏

Perfect reaction. 😢 the song makes me cry every time.

One of the many things I love about your reactions is the emotions coming through

HUGS from Germany - this is the song I sometings feel not strong enough to listen to...too heartwrenching and hard to bear - how they put the hardest struggles into words and music - besides their BEAUTIFUL singing...🥺👌🏼What kills me every time is the fact they recorded it on the bridge Joe ended his life...may he rest in peace 🙏🏼 It's impossible to choose Ren's masterpiece - he created more than one

Excited! Been waiting for this one. This song is so beautiful and emotional. These two are great together.

It makes me cry every time I hear it.

After watching this about 1000x i finally got through the last time not bawling afterwards.. until now. Once i saw you tearing up i started as well. My father and brother in law both took their lives in the middle of the night so this song is so difficult but hauntingly beautiful ❤️

Thank you Alan for leaving the real you here. I appreciate your humanity.

They can look at each other because they are seasoned professionals who are used to preforming together. So many vocalists are just studio hacks who use auto tune but can’t actually do it and make us feel. This is beautifully old school, we hear them so we feel them. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

You have to be one of the most empathic people i have ever seen. Its crazy how much of the emotion you feel. Its beautiful.

My best friend took himself from us. Everytime I hear this song, it makes me both grateful that I got to have him here even if just for a little and angry af that he just left me. Alone. With a tattoo a few scattered memories. Chad, buddy, it's been almost 13 years and everyday still hurts like the first day without you.

Thank you for being so vulnerable. Your emotion made me cry harder, and I think I needed that today.

Your reactions are real and that’s why we watch - glad I found your channel

"Let's jam out to it"- wow, do more of that, really adds some soul to the reaction in a I-have-no-words-only-music kinda way.

Perfect reaction to this one bro! Thanks for being real and raw for us! I cried with you... Keep being you brother 🤌👌🤙🔥❤️

Such a genuine reaction, Ive lost count of the tears I've shed over this song 😢

Ive seen this video probably upwards of 50 or 60 times, mostly in reactions. I still weep from deep in my soul. It is as if Ren walked into my soul and penned those lyrics. I found myself crying harder during your reaction than any other I've seen. I could see your desperation to hold it together. I'm here to tell you, no holding it together necessary. There is truth and beauty in your response to this masterpiece. Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do.

Your here to react and that's just what you did, no need to apologise for being human. It's a virtual hug from me.

It might be here in the comments somewhere already but this is filmed atop the bridge that said friend ended things. Makes the performance even more haunting. Great reaction sir and look forward to the next one

Can I just say that I really appreciate your reactions to Ren? I've been hyperfixating on his music and I feel like you're one of the only reactors that I've seen who's had the same reactions to his music as me. I've watched this video twice now because it feels like I'm watching with a friend who actually understands the music like I do. My friends don't 'get' why I'm obsessed and I'd already been questioning my friendships, so it's nice to find a kindred spirit. Thank you for all you do ♥

Ahh matey, you need a hug 😢 And you know, a reaction isn't about any words you might say. Emotions say it all. Your guitar 'jam' at the end complimented beautifully. I see a lot of people have suggested 'Crutch' (in fact, I think I did, too, on another video), but I think you need to do some upbeat ones first. 'Crutch' always hits me hardest. The song itself is heartbreaking, but the visuals also give a powerful punch. When you eventually get to it, read the description for the video first. It gives even more context. Hugs to you, dude ❤

Still, I haven't mange go through this without crying. Nothing wrong with that...but it hurt me into my bones listening to them. It's painfully beautiful. Thanks! ✌️

I absolutely adore you for feeling your feelings no matter that there was a camera staring at you. Great authentic video. Thank you for being you. Much love!!

Wow... Yeah, this is a hard one💔😥 This gives me chills every time and it's very hard not to tear up. The raw emotion here is just so real it almost physically hurts to listen, but at the same it's mesmerizing and just pulls you in. Thank you for being you and kuddos for having the courage to share your emotions like that with us❤ And again, your guitar playing at the end🎸🎶...Just WOW

Absolutely amazing their voices …. I have been fighting depression and anxiety for 50 years. I can’t explain how much this song resonates with me. I lost a friend to suicide 40 years ago… he was 14. Had his bible open to a verse. “Where is my God I can’t breathe” … Ren you touch our souls and you are creating what this world needs more of.. open discussion about our struggles with mental health and makes us know we are not alone. ❤; I then lost my mom to mental illness 11 years ago.. it’s taken so much away from too many of us.❤

I lost my good friend 43 years ago. She was in a different country, so back then we wrote letters, as international phone calls were a rare luxury. To this day I don't know if I got round to answering her final letter and the guilt remains that maybe I didn't. Thank you for reacting to this most beautiful song❤💔❤

Empathy seems to be in short supply these days. Being willing to show true emotion while watching a wrenching song such as this validates its for us too. Thanks again for just flat out being real. So refreshing. You did a lot of value to the content. There's so much more to the actual production of that performance and you added insight to that as well. Thank you for the note she put up in post-production for.... I always enjoy you "jamming out" to the song on your guitar at the end. Keep up the good work sir. Everyone is numbed out. So much pain and confusion and so many ways to avoid addressing it or bury it.

😭I can never get through this song without weeping. The powerhouses of vocals hits so hard in the heart. I hope you're ok😢 Peace and love always until there is no more!❤

Experiencing the catharsis that other fans of Ren experience through his music is one of the most valuable things I experience from reactors, and I think it's one of the reason why Ren reactions have blown up as much as they have. Your emotionality gives us all a connection point to our own emotionality, and it provides this common human moment that we're all to often lacking in the digital age. So, value added my dude. Value added.

What more can an artist ask, when their music brings the emotions in others that they were feeling? This one can’t go on my car playlist, because it makes me cry every time. Thank you for being willing to show your emotions! ❤

Sometimes a song doesn't need to be analyzed, and that's ok, you did exactly what a human being is supposed to do, you showed emotion, you let the song touch your soul, and had a normal appropriate response to it. Maybe I'm weird, but that's a beautiful thing, especially when so many of us here at home watching, going through the same emotions. For all the ugliness and pitfalls of social media and the internet in general, this is a positive we can draw from modern technology, something that can truly connect us. Great reaction my brother. ✌️💚

I think we all love and appreciate way you feel music deep in your bones. It moves you like you become part of it and that is wonderful. Thank you for letting us watch it with you. It's a tough one but such a beautiful way to address the darkness.

I cry with every person's reaction to this. Its absolutely eviscerating , so potent and mesmerising. Every time i hear it i am blown away.

Sending hugs and love from Canada. I tear up every time I listen to this one.

An excellent reactor with incisive breakdown and understanding of song structure, your honest, heartfelt passion for music shines here and you're not alone in being moved to tears by this recording. We cannot hide from the truth inside us when it's touched by the purity in performance by Ren and Chinchilla.

Ren recorded a tribute to Joe called Freckled Angels on the Freckled Angels album. I believe he sung it at his funeral, and it is as beautiful a love song as I've ever heard...

Thank you for sharing your emotions. They "break down" the song better than words. I love the reach for the guitar for your solace. Talent...and true and honest feelings👏👏🙏

Love you, man.. I cry every time.

Thank you for your beautiful and raw reaction. This song is absolutely amazing. Until I heard this one, I could not put words to how I have felt for the last several years. I had totally forgotten how to be me. Since finding Ren's music, I have started to find myself again. The amazing power of music ❤.

Raw and emotional reaction to a haunting, beautiful and sad song. The 'humming' sections mimic the cello/strings in the studio version. Check out the lyric video as you might be able to break that down into the stems for analysis. Same goes for Chalk Outlines too from Ren and Chinchilla. There's a live version and a lyric video too.

So nice to see someone let the video play and actually feel the emotions rather then stopping it a million times to talk about it

Fking love that Ren is helping so many people connect with their emotions in a good way, tears heal, I love you're so real ❤x

Wow. I was looking forward to your reaction to this song and you exceeded my hopes. When you were too moved to comment, your guitar accompaniment was so beautiful! Such a fantastic display of the power of music to express emotion, especially when words don’t come. Every time I hear this song it overwhelmes me with memories and feelings I didn’t even realize were buried in my psyche. It’s a scary feeling but also a much needed release when I can watch it alone in my room or listen in my car. I can’t imagine reacting to this one on camera. 💔❤️‍🩹 Really enjoy your videos even when they make me sob. 😅❤

When Ren writes songs like this… it’s kinda just like if ya know, ya know, and it hurts. But it’s still what you need sometimes. Glad you reacted to this and showed your compassion as well as love for music. Thank you ❤

Ren has tears, you have tears, I have tears along with every person that hears and relates to this song. It just hits so hard. I lost my nephew to a quick decision in the night 3 yrs ago and this song is exactly how it feels. Great job and much love from TX❤!

Thankyou for your honest reaction to this song, it's very refreshing.

Your emotion is real and raw and I truly appreciate it. I get really frustrated with these platforms sometimes that they just “shadow ban” or demonize (& sometimes demonetize) certain words or phrases without considering context. In some perspectives I understand but in others it’s really is unfortunate. Saying certain words isn’t ALWAYS negative. The word not allowed to be spoken, in this situation, might actually have the opposite effect. Maybe someone who feels at the end of what they can possibly handle could find something like this and feel less alone. This isn’t glorifying or convincing someone to hurt themselves but it could make someone feel like maybe, with the positive connections of this music and community, they could find hope. Instead we take a word, without considering context, and just insert a huge NO. With the idea that what? If we don’t speak about it it won’t happen? Has my generation learned absolutely nothing from those who just buried these feelings? Sadly I don’t think the public or even society as a whole is to blame. It’s this overbearing culture and those with the power that are somehow hypersensitive while being insensitive to plights not their own. Regardless of the descriptions we’ve learned to use in place of these words that are immediately hid or banned I appreciate you and those like you who have found a way to still make your feelings and support known to a community of us who have come face to face with these times of desperation. Not just to those of us who were able to, or had some intervention of, these decisions. & for those of course who completed that action & those who loved them left in the wake of that destruction and heartbreak.

I'm surprised I'm not seeing anyone else note that it actually gets even deeper. The album version of the song, "Freckled Angels". It's really raw Ren emotion.

Thank you ,from the bottom of my heart,for this reaction. I needed this today.

Powerful shit. Thanks for showing vulnerability. Us men need to do that more. ❤

Thank you for your honest reaction. Your reaction touched me along with the song. They recorded the song where his best friend when they were 19 jumped off of that bridge!!!

You are a very kind and caring person. Your compassion shines through in all of your videos.❤

Gooseflesh EVERYTIME ❤️

I've only watched a few of your videos and I'm not subscribed yet, (after the comment I promise) but I just wanted to thank you, not for the message you put out or for the work you do breaking down the songs, but for the u candid and honest portrayal of emotion. It's never comfortable to allow others to see you vulnerable. As a man it's so much more difficult. I don't think that we treat the men of our society fairly and nobody seems to be interested in making that change. Everyone is all in arms about inequality of race or sexuality or identity. They're all so shocked and outraged at the various atrocities in the news, some violent act perpetrated on this or that outlying minority, and they wonder how anyone could be capable of such barbarism, so lacking in empathy. All the while they're completely blind to the impossible psychological tightrope that every single male in our society, on a nearly worldwide basis, in EVERY culture around the world, has to walk. The standards to which we hold our men are impossible and so cruelly unfair that we ought to be ashamed. It's no wonder people can be capable of such horrendous behavior. We do not allow men the simple indulgence of empathy. Men aren't supposed to show or feel anything beyond the simplest emotion. All that a man can acceptably display without being mocked is happy and angry. But at the same time they should be sensitive to every woman from mother, to daughter, auntie, grandmother, sister, even strangers on the street. They're to pull out our chair, give us their jacket when we're cold, treasure and spoil the daughters, remember the birthdays/anniversaries, buy flowers, support the household, offer guidance, be strong, be wise, never complain about the burden, never break or show weakness while they do all of this or else THEY ARENT MAN. All it takes for a man to be moved and degraded, even if he is somehow accomplishing all of this, even if he is flawlessly falling within these impossible lines, is to show a bit of emotion. If a man does everything he is supposed to do, but at some point becomes overwhelmed by an emotion and breaks down to cry publicly HE FORFEITS HIS MASCULINITY. Somebody gets shitty and mocks him for being a pu$$y and others will fall in tow. How can we be so blind to the simple cause and effect in play here? We subject thr backbone of our society to impossible standards and expect to have a forward thinking, fair, and just world. No. Just no. It's not going to happen until we stop being blind to the simple concept that men have feelings too. And those feelings are valid. They matter. Thank you for having the courage to display emotion like this. We need to normalize this. I doubt any of this went thru your head as you create content and that's okay because I know at some point it crossed your mind not to put out one or another of these reactions for fear of some troll making some shitty comment about you breaking down. You decided to just be who you are and to show that to people anyway. That requires so much more credit than you gave yourself, I'm sure. So in case you don't have anyone in your life to do so, I wanted to tell you that you do an amazing job. I want to tell you that I'm proud of you, even tho i dont know you. I want to tell you that it's all going to be okay, and that you are amazing. Keep doing your thing man. Your killing it. And once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. It's all going to be okay in the end, and if it isn't okay, then it isn't the end. Keep your head up man. Strength.

Another great reaction to this song. It truly amazes me how much of an impact this song has and the way they both beautifully embody the lyrics. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve cried right along with the anguish on every reactors faces. I can firmly call this the best duet in the history of music.

I know. Thank you for your honesty. This is the way for the world to get better. ❤

Big love for keeping it real,with your emotions, which is the essence of Ren and his music.

It's one of my favorites so far. I could see you getting teared up right away. Their performance touches the soul.

Amazing performance 🔥♥️🔥 Man ….they can harmonize really really well 😎

I felt the same way. Heartbreaking and haunting... ❤

Thanks for letting yourself be vulnerable, Alan. We got you. Ren's work is an experience, but sometimes it's also a process for many people. For those who find this one especially challenging, breathe and trust the process.

my fav track with them both, makes me cry often too. Thank you for the honest reaction on this, eyes and face proves liars wrong and you my friend are no liar

Just wanted to say when you tried to play a harmony with the song... it was great lol.

Aaaaaaaand now I'm crying at my desk at work. I've listened to this song hundreds of times by now, and I've seen countless reactions, but yours gave me all the feels again. I'll say this every time: Ren is helping redefine masculinity through empathy, and vulnerability, and so are reactors like you. ❤

I think this was my first re-listen since Ren's interview with Knox, where he spoke at length about his friend Joe. I think it's telling about how much value you have to share with the world that even on reacting to a video with only the one audio track you still have a bunch of useful commentary. In case there was anyone out there that doubted your ability to understand and analyse music And I can't think of ANY more powerful reaction to this song than the guitar line you offered as accompaniment for your outtro, so there's that, too.

Love you man 🧡🧡 I have to be in the right frame of mind to listen to this one, but man, I love it

Another Ren song you should definitely check out is Crutch (feat Bibi). Not his usual style, but the emotion conveyed in the song is on another level