Pastor - as an atheist I'm constantly bombarded with annoying religious stuff on social media . You do not fall into that category . Your open , intelligent and respectful commentary is appreciated . So often going into prayer in a video a self aggrandising move but you do it in a genuine and honest way . I respect the way you work . Keep it up .
Thank you @drbosommd. Prayers in public can quickly turn into that. Might have been why Jesus told his disciples to do most of their praying in a solitary place.
I'm sorry for our more.. passionate.. Christians. That's not all of us. Jesus doesn't ask you to be religious He just asks for a relationship. Never feel like you're less than anyone else. Never let Christians tell you you're not good enough. Neither are they. We all fall short. It's not about how much you do in your lifetime it's how you do it. You will find Christ in your own time. I grew up with the knowledge of Him but it took me until I was 23 to truly understand the meaning of His sacrifice and what He truly calls us to do. I get attacked by Christians as well. Christ doesn't approve of the bickering and hostility.. especially towards the lost. We are supposed to respect you guys and help yall understand it. Not beat you down and say you're a bad person. You were created in God's image. Whether you believe that yet or not. You were beautifully and fearfully made. Fearfully because of free will. You can choose to accept Him or reject Him. The fearfulness is because He doesn't wish that any of us go to Hell. But it's like if a guy is head over heels for a girl but the girl rejects him. It wouldn't be love if he kept chasing her, it would be harassment.. so out of love he let's her run from him. God does the same. He wishes that all come to Him willingly. But He never forces Himself. As Christians we aren't supposed to force it on anyone either we are only called to lead. To guide the lost to Him. If they wish to go the other way we must respect that. Doesn't mean we stop praying for you because who knows what could happen. It took me almost ending my life before I found Him. I pray you never get to that spot but there's beauty in the pain. The devil doesn't want you to hit rock bottom because if you do then the only thing you'll have left is calling out to God. Whether in anger or otherwise.
I love that Ren creates a musical narrative that allows us to have this dialogue. So many people watch a Ren performance and are able to start talking about things they have bottled up. Awesome Reaction. Thank You
Some background: the first two parts of the trilogy were more or less created at the same time, and released individually as videos a few months apart. The concept was born from an article Ren read in the newspaper (or perhaps he saw it on the televised news?) about a 14 year old boy who killed a streetwalker and was later caught and killed by the police. Ren wondered to himself about how something like that could happen, what forces in a person’s life would push them to that point. Leading up to the release of the videos, Ren released a series of short videos on instagram, where Ren’s phone was taken by a young hood who then uses the phone and instagram account as his own and offers a peek into the life of the young kid, revealed to be Screech. We see his buddy and fellow gangster Patrick, and his other gangster friends, as well as his girlfriend, and it’s very clear in context that Patrick and Screech’s girlfriend are having an affair and hooking up. We have some context now for why Patrick and the girlfriend are unavailable to give Screech refuge later on (Patrick isn’t home because he is at the girlfriends place, which is why she won’t let Screech come over). The short vids lead up to the night of a failed burglary (a burglary failed because Patrick didn’t show up, because he was hooking up with Screech’s girlfriend) and a desperate and alone Screech encountering a young lady walking the streets alone. There are no more videos after that, for obvious reasons. Violet’s Tale was made several years later and returns to the original duology and offers more background to the pair. Originally, Jenny was just Screech’s victim. She could’ve been a prostitute like the victim in the original news story that inspired the song, but she could’ve just as easily been a woman walking home from a bar or club, yearning to escape a dull and dreary life. All we know is her life is repetitive and that she wants to leave it behind. Violet’s Tale recontextualizes Jenny’s story, providing a reason why she is so quiet, a sort of generational trauma passed on to her from her mother (silent Violet) and her grandmother (Violet’s alcoholic mother who also stayed quiet about Violet’s trauma), as well as the violence of Screech, who is just like his father Stevie. Without a mother (dead) and father (likely in prison, and it’s questionable if authorities would even know he’s the father, given Violet’s tendency towards silence), the twins would have ended up in “the system” and were separated and raised apart. We know from the Screech instagram vids that Screech lives a rough life without a stable home life. We can presume the same for Jenny, and knowing that she is 14 as well, we can fill in the blanks and presume to know why a 14 year old girl is walking the streets of London at night, alone and in high heels. She is indeed a prostitute, likely driven there by desperation and the failure of society to help her. And she falls victim to the violence of Screech, a violence born also of desperation the failure of society to help him. And they were both born of a victim to violence, as part of a presumably long line of systemic social failure.
A few points to add. We don't know that violet's tale was never part of it from the start. Jenny's take was released in 2019 and Screech's tale in 2020. He wouldn't have been able to film Violet's tale if it was in fact written, because a pandemic happened. Then when he was able to film, he had a lot of other stuff to film first, for the album. Ren knew he was going to be in Canada so he would have wanted to get the important stuff filmed first, on the basis that Jenny and Screech's tales would hold up on their own until he had time to film Violet's tale. Now on to the story, one important part to point out - Violet left home at 16 and moved into a council flat paid for by a welfare scheme - that would only happen, if she was ALREADY pregnant. Since she already had the flat when she met Stevie, it suggests that Violet's father is actually the father of Jenny and Screech and not Stevie (who in any case would have gone to jail for manslaughter - or from the IG "choose your adventure" stories, may have fled the country). Violets mother who was a drinker, most likely was abused in the same way as Violet - by her own father, because in these situations just like Violet did, they tend to pick a partner that continues the cycle.
@@AndrewJonesMcGuire I hadn't picked up on the fact that Violet would already be pregnant, but you're absolutely right - she would never have been given a flat at 16 without special circumstances, eg, being pregnant! Gosh, I find out new things about Ren's songs no matter how many times I watch/listen!
@@AndrewJonesMcGuire I always wondered why in the hundreds of reactions I've seen, no one picked up on or discussed violet's father potentially being Jenny and Screech's dad. I don't live in the UK and so did not realize the fact that she wouldn't have had the council flat at 16 if she wasn't pregnant. No matter how many times you watch this you learn something new everyday.
@@allenjudepaiva there's a major housing shortage in the UK, there has been for decades. Even if you are of great need - you can still be on a waiting list for years, but typically pregnant young adults get bumped up the list over other people. Violet would only have been bumped up that list if she was already pregnant AND had moved to a different council area - otherwise the council would say she could stay with her mum and Dad until they could find a place for her.
"I'll spare you of the things he did I'm sure her mother knew". This always hits me hard. I was sexually abused by my stepdad for 8 years. In my home in the middle of the night. I'm fortunate that I had other good parental figures in my life and that helped me at least became fairly well adjusted. I know that is a privelege I had that many don't though.
The Money Game Trilogy maybe next? Also highly recommend Chalk Outlines and How to be Me with Chinchilla, and For Joe, rapping on The Hunger, Losing It, Sick Boi (also the title of his album that just went no1 in the UK and now in Australia
Chalk Outlines with Chinchilla is one of those songs that give me full body chills, especially when she hits those high notes. I discovered Ren on tiktok 2 years ago, and I'm so incredibly thrilled that he just hit #1 in the UK. He deserves every single bit of success that is coming his way.
As a survivor of DV, I'm so happy to see an artist like Ren manage to make these horrors stark and visceral without glamorizing or moralizing. I'm thankful to have had friends in my church community who told me that "God always stands with the oppressed," instead of telling me to put my marriage before my and my childrens' safety. We are doing very well because of the many people who helped us start over.
Ren isn't afraid of looking into the dark corners of life that most people avoid. It starts conversations that maybe, just maybe, might reach someone who needs to know they aren't alone. It's not always easy to hear but sometimes it shouldn't be easy, just heard.
As a DV victim, this song hits me hard every time I hear it. Thankfully, I am alive. But he caused a neck injury and broke my lumbar and I am permanently disabled. Now, I am divorced and have sole custody of our 15 yr old son and struggling to break that generational curse. You've got to speak up. If not fir yourself, then tonsave your children from becoming what they learn. Nurture is required to overcome nature.
This is a sad, but realistic set of tales. After Violet's death the twins would have been taken into care by the state, and as babies would quickly find foster homes, but not together. Some people think that foster homes are nice middle class families, but that is not often the case. Some foster families are poor, and some live in rough areas of the city which is not a great environment. Kids are often fostered locally by the Local Authority, and this could easily be in the same borough of a city, and as such the chances of siblings crossing paths is realistic. Jenny, Screech, and Violet are all victims.
If Jenny and Screech were fostered locally, in Paddington, it would be natural for Jenny to be a prostitute, as the bad parts of Paddington are notoriously a red-light district. It also explains that she came across as a 'lady' to screech, dolled up and wearing high heeled shoes, walking home late, even though she was only 14. Those poor kids did not stand much of a chance in life, even though their choices were poor, there wouldn't have been too many options for either of them.
I felt your emotion watching this and yes, Jenny and Screech were twins born of Violet - An account of generational violence. I have watched the tale of Jenny & Screech many times as different people react to it and I feel that with your reaction a few poor souls going through this will realise they need to get out. God bless you ❤🙏
I love your reaction and your sympathy for the characters. Theres a video that Ren made as Screech that gives him more background to the character and it gives you more sympathy for Screechs character.
Yup- not all songs have to be something catchy you listen to regular. This is kinda to music what schindlers list or something similar is to film.. It deserves its oscars but you really dont wanna watch it regular for 'fun'.
That being said, you could easily find yourself humming along to his songs because his musical skills give you songs that make you want to listen to, even when you're not focusing on the lyrics.
Violets tale is my favorite of the 3 and when I heard it I wanted to add to my playlist for the musical side of it but couldn't. It makes me tear up every time I hear it.
There was a series of videos Ren put on his Instagram that showed some of the scenes from the day Screech murdered Jenny. He was routinely abused by his foster father and was trying to rob a house to get money to leave town, and ended up being chased out by the owner. Screech took a knife to defend himself from the owner then had the idea to mug Jenny. The song was inspired by a newspaper article Ren read. I love the rigorous exercise in empathy this trilogy presents, as awful as the subject matter is 😢
I’m a survivor of severe childhood sexual abuse, who also grew up in an extremely Christian conservative area (Idaho), and your prayer really touched me. I am agnostic and lean Buddhist in my spiritual practices, and I found in that community environment is that what people meant when they’d “pray for me,” they meant, they prayed that I would find Jesus. It really made me distance myself from them-it felt condescending and proselytizing, and lacked genuine care. I found myself crying through your prayer-it felt so empathetic and genuinely concerned about the well-being of the whole human being, and not about whether I sign up to the Jesus club or not. Thank you so much.
@@imwelshjesus It's never irrelevant. Prayer is good for the mind. It gives you a way to vocalize what's wrong in your life and get it off your chest, even if there is or isn't a divine being.
If an individual finds consolation in some form of delusion or meditation, then fine whatever turns you on or off, but when a grift earns a living from pretending to have some kind of inside track to a magical fabricated being then I'm happy to call them out or mock them. Ah! men. @@digbydark9313
This is why I subscribed. I come from a very strong catholic upbringing. I was so into my faith and had what I thought was a strong relationship with God...until one of my youth ministers berated me on a bus because of the book I was reading called "Spirit Guides" . I remember thinking 🤔" Who are you to tell me what Is Demonic ? We pray to saints, our ancestors, and God for guidance who is to say we don't have Spirit Guides? " I DIDN'T GET CONFIRMED and stop going. I literally just became spiritual instead with belief in Jesus Buddha and Mohammed ect. Put it all together they were exactly who and what energy was needed on the planet for our spiritual evolution 🙏 However I am coming to a deeper understanding of Christianity. Jesus energy and WWJD energy is the only thing in this particular dense earth energy that will save our souls from what is possibly a true spiritual battle we are facing. So the compassion you have is Christ like. Thank you for making me feel love.
6:14 escape. I'm so glad you caught that. Soooo many reactors miss that from earlier in the song and think she got away as opposed to being killed. Jenny & Screech were aligned side by side at birth and death!
The first two parts are based on two separate, but true stories he remembered from newspapers. He wrote and recorded Violet's Tale a few years later, to complete the tragic cycle. I live in a rough-ish part of London - and it's a very, very believable tale. Regarding your commentary, "If this happens, you've just gotta get out..." Well yes, but what do US social services have to offer? For that matter, might I ask what does your church have to offer under such circumstances? You can bet it's happening all around you, in silence, because there's simply nowhere else to go. If Christians did less proselytizing, and more quiet "doing", churches might actually start to refill. McMicken Heights Church: "We invest time, energy and resources to practically meet the needs of the last and the least among us". I sincerely hope your words aren't just words. Best wishes. (Apologies for the sermon! - Ha!) "
No apologies needed. And amen on being invested in the community. I have recently been introduced to what US social services have to offer through a state crisis connection program. There are of course other non-profits that focus on housing for victims of domestic abuse, and other forms of abuse. Our church has begun being invested in a handful of community outreach venues. We feed people, clothe people, offer shelter. We have begun partnering with the local school districts and providing support there. There are soooooo many needs and it is hard sometimes. It reminds me of Jesus' words, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
I'm aware that Government/State funded social services are pretty limited in your country, and NGOs such as your church must have a heavy burden to carry - I applaud the great work you do. (I suppose that's a downside to the American distaste for anything with the slightest whiff of "socialism" about it - those in need have to rely on the arbitrary nature of charity). The problem with domestic violence is, whilst the hungry, impoverished and homeless are there in plain sight for all to see, what goes on behind closed doors stays there, unless the victims are made aware that there are viable alternatives. In the UK, we have fairly well publicised (and government funded) Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program, and many churches and charities also offer safe accommodation. Local Councils also have a legal duty to fund domestic abuse support services. So much domestic abuse goes on unnoticed or ignored, and to be able to offer an "escape route" is I believe, a most worthy act. Best wishes.
You're so empathetic and see this in all dimensions. I'm kind of afraid for you as you go forward into Violet's Tale. ... A wonderful, raw reaction. I am not religious but that was a beautiful prayer at the end, and if put my atheism aside and I accepted that God was helping victims, then those with hearts like yours is how it would work. And actually I can take that without the need to believe anything else. Thank you.
Ren saw a news story about a 14 yo charged with murder and could not stop pondering what situation led to that outcome- and wrote ( over a few years) this trilogy about the cycle of trauma neglect and violence…
From 2005 to the time of this release, it is 14 years, the children's age. It is real and it is life every day in our world, not a judgment just a fact that Ren wants to bring forward because people let it happen and then forget. Ren is such a good human.
If Women's refuges were properly funded, it would be easier for victims to "just get out". We as men need to acknowledge that it isn't as easy as it logically appears. You cannot flee if you have nowhere to flee to.
This went beyond a musical performance and is something akin to parable. I am struck by my recently re-reading about the first murder in the bible - where one sibling killed another in Cain and Abel - and realise how these themes are so ancient, primal and unchanging. See also the violent jealousies between twins or siblings, like Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers and soi on. Ren is drawing on very deep material here.
I am not a Christian, I guess I would describe myself as agnostic, but sometimes I experience moments that I can only describe as spiritual or religious. I very much felt your reaction to these tragic tales, and it just felt right and consequential to stick around for your prayer. Thank you for that- You have a new subscriber!
@@imwelshjesus thanks for telling me. But not everybody is capable of expressing it so openly. In fact, it seems to be easier for human beings to be patronizing- do you have any wisdom to share if this is also to be found in other mammals, or is this a trait only to be found in humans?
Ren is an artist. He paints pictures with words and music that leave you in awe. Others have said he is a modern day bard. His ability to tell a story is incredible. This particular 'song' is one of his most powerful. His videos are always amazing and each part of this trilogy was filmed live in one take. And he has done all this whilst recovering from illness and psychosis, with minimal budgets and without the backing of a major label. He is able to have full control of his output. Thank you for your reaction it was a difficult and emotional one.
Oh man..... The moment you paused and started talking about nature vs nurture, I really thought that you might be the first person to guess the end. You came really close, and don't get me wrong, so many people don't even catch Violet being the mother. You almost caught it several minutes beforehand. I'll be coming back for what you have to share.
Enjoyed your reaction. 3 good Ren songs to get a feel for his diverse talents: 1 - Chalk Outlines f/ Chinchilla 2 - Genesis 3 - Bongo Bong by his band The Big Push 🎉
ALSO. Not sure how I forgot this, as it's normally my go to recommendation - his 1 million YT subscriber speech!! It's so empowering and shows how being blessed/lifted can help others!
If anyone asks you what is generational trauma ,this is the example. It starts with Violets parents , in poverty and alcohol addiction , they create a daughter ,Violet who can't speak up or create personal boundaries because of her damage. She and Stevie (very much like her father ) reproduce the scenario and their children are born in violence. When I first heard ths story I was annoyed that Jenny was so lightly passed over but as I reviewed it more ,I found that Jenny's tale is told silently the only way she could tell it . Jennys experience of family life ,with institutions and foster parents, was no better than Screetch's and at 14 ,was cruising the streets of London, in high heels,alone and vulnerable late in the night, was normal to her , like all people coming home from work she was weary . She was silent in her paralysed in her fear ,like all girls who have been robbed of their voice and rights to their own bodies, something she shaired with her mother . Ren wrote these tales after seeing a report of a knife crime ,where the perpetrator was only 14 the rest is from his imagination and took years to develop into the morality play it is today. I believe Ren saw himself in Screetch , if you listen to his song Power he talks of his own teen troubles. He states ,in that song ,that he got through drug experimentation and bad company by focusing on his inner power .he never says what his power is but most would say it was his ability to express himself in music . This 3 part power punch to the mind and spirit ,has like many of Rens songs been a conversation starter, Ren's ability to express open raw , honest vulnerability emotion has encouraged many men and women to shair their own stories of , incest sexual molestation , domestic violence ,rape and dysfunctional families . It is a multi generational conversation that has rickershade around the world. These conversations need to be shaired , there is no healing so powerful as a woman who has experienced D.V. watching a male ,gentle soul, recoil and at times weep for Violet in her situation, as many men have done . Some have gone on,to express what it was like to be a child in such a relationship .These conversations and the help and knowledge of on line resources have been valuable to many along with the fellowship. I know that it is very difficult to say anything at all ,after hearing Violets tale and that is the correct response. Thank you for your reaction and insights Thank you for adding your love and wisdom to a valuable conversation.
Its crazy to think that Screech got the violance from his father and Jenny got the silence of her mother. Also, it was revealed on a post in Ren's Instagram (i think) that when Screechy goes to the door and his friend didn't opened for him and later when he calls for his girlfriend, its supposed to mean that the friend and his gf are together, behind Screechy's back and thats why Screechy couldn't go to his gf. Btw, great reaction! First time im seeing your channel! Keep up the good work!
I have often wondered if anybody watching this song has ever thought or realised that they were a victim.. or maybe, that they were a Stevie or a Screech. This and Hi Ren are pieces of art that should be shared and had conversations about. If I had children, and they were of appropriate age, I would expose them to them to educate them on these things.
Lastly. The main reason to follow Ren (I can feel your un-comfortability watching this)... is his desire to bring to the forefront of humans minds the things that are destroying us. He WANTS us to talk about the awful things we do that are destroying the human race, so we can fix them. He is agnostic, but appreciates religious components that make people think. He references the 7 sins often, even in his new album... 7 Sins is a deep song that I think has the potential to open eyes to a lot of people.
It'll be another hard video to watch, but his song "For Joe" is a truly special and heartfelt piece. A tribute to a dear childhood friend that took his own life. Resonates deeply with me and apparently many others.
Sir, as a Pagan...raised Amish...I appreciate your humanity and heart. This is TOUGH subject matter, done so...RAWLY and yet so...BEAUTIFULLY... I appreciate Ren's aim at shining light on some of the uglier things we'd rather NOT look at....but NEED to. They have been moving and life-changing to me. It isn't all "pretty" but it is MAGICAL together. Performance Art. Subscribed!! I appreciate your "we are all in this together" attitude, I'm not surprised many of your other subscribers aren't Christian....they watch for you. BE who you believe in. ❤ I'm certain the Bible was not intended to be a weapon of warfare, or a tool to harm. Unfortunately, in some religious sects, the abuse is sanctified. Life is hard. Follow your heart.
I must say that it frustrates me no end when men look at domestic violence situations from a purely reactionary perspective and put all responsibility for action on the part of the victim(woman) and no responsibilty on the perpetrator. While any woman being abused does need to take steps to make herself safe and remove herself and her children, we as a society need to take a systematic approach to raising our boys and young men in a way that removes subtle masochistic tendencies and recognise the abuse of power that can occur with men over women. Society has been set up in a way that women have to fight to be believed and heard, and men are not held as accountble as they should be. This needs to change on a fundamental level, or the cycle is doomed to be repeated.
100%. One of the stated issues from the beginning in Genesis 3, now that sin has entered the world, is the struggle in relationships between men and women, husbands and wives particularly. And the problem is that each party will try to rule over/ dominate the other. Healthy relationships are not dominated by one but when both act in mutual submission to one another. And this is hard. One issue with filming a reaction is that it is just that, a reaction. The aggressors need to seek help as well.
hello, dear! may i first say, i so enjoyed joining you in prayer. another sucessful ren mind-meld!!! ren's the best at bringing 'stuff' to the surface, imho. where we can look at it and talk about it. just one of the reasons i love my man, ren!!! kathleen bts renegade
Hey Pastor Matt! My husband is also a Pastor Matt. 😊. As I watched this and then heard your prayer…I couldn’t help but wonder how many people genuinely know that HE also went through a life of tragedy. I can’t get through Isaiah 53 without sobbing like a crazy person ….thinking of the fact that his suffering was much longer than the cross. He was an outcast. His siblings didn’t want anything to do with him, the town drunks sang songs about him. And since people didn’t understand , he was more than likely….repeatedly called a “bastard”. He must have been so incredibly lonely without the Father. I can’t fathom how difficult it was knowing each day brought him closer to his own murder. Yet….it was His joy to do that for us??!!! It’s absolutely mind blowing and I wish so badly that everyone KNEW just how much they are loved. There’s so much sadness and pain in this world but…. It’s just right now. It’s just for right now. What is this small life compared to eternity? And the fact that He’s coming back so soon…SO SOON….it’s overwhelming. There’s so many who need to know….so many who live a life of suffering who NEED that hope. It’s really nice to see believers step out of their comfort zone and truly attempt to understand what others are going through. Your grace and understanding with these videos and your loving genuine prayers at the end….are beautiful. Blessings my friend.
Your line about Jesus being referred to as "bastard" is spot on. It would have painted the stark contrast as John the Baptist said, behold the Lamb of God. Very different pictures. Thank you for sharing. Will pray for you and your husband, Matt.
@@pastormattt truth. Imagine what John must have felt in that moment. It’s soon going to be our turn. Revelations is coming alive right before our eyes. That’s why I think what you did here was so great. You are showing people the genuine authentic love of Christ by being open and honest and simply…SEEING. Some people just want to be seen and you taking those moments of pause to be like “I know this pain is real and I feel for you”….followed by understanding and prayer for that pain? Yes. Absolutely yes. Goodnight from north Texas….from one pastor Matt (well, his wife at least) to another. Ok that was lame. 😂
Thank you for this reaction as a Pastor. I have a few friends or loved ones I had wanted to share "the Tale" with but I feel like it may just be too raw for them or too bleak. Some of them are spiritual church-goers and I almost feel like having them experience "the Tale" through your reaction might be the best way. Thank you for being an embodiment of empathy and understanding when the cliche reaction it seems might be to want to turn it off or push it away or not expose your viewers to such harsh language and themes. (as an aside, I still laugh every time I think of Ren screaming at the top of his lunges in what is obviously at least a semi populated area. I have heard they did actually have to restart due to people yelling at them to shut up ;)
There aren't a lot of tracks of Ren that I would "recommend" to a Pastor, but I really encourage you to check out Power. It has hard hitting, real life scenarios with an uplifting message. I'd love for you to keep doing Ren, as I love your reactions... but I'd also enjoy seeing your energy go to where it can empower others more in this crazy world. But Power by Ren, 100% recommend!!!
Amen! (sadly Screech knocked on the wrong door.) I understand that at least Jenny's tale is based on a murder that Ren heard about on the news. The newscaster ended the story remarking that it was such a shame. I think that's one of Ren's storytelling skills: he doesn't rub our face in it, but he holds up a mirror to a world where a young woman, possibly very young (they were 14 in this song) may be not only being horrendously exploited but also is murdered. When we dig deeper, we learn of multi-generational trauma, and how people slip through the cracks. And to end it with "it's such a shame." And it is that, but that also feels so glib and numb to what happens to our fellow human beings. And the implications of that are terrifying. That way lies Auschwitz and the gulags. God help us!
The tale is set in London, Paddington, UK, which if you live in London, you know its sexworker central. And 14 year old Jenny has "walked these streets a thousand times before" so it's pretty clear she is a sexworker. Ren wrote it after reading of the death of a 14 yr old sex worker in his local newspaper.
My nf friend! I appreciate your prayers at the end of your videos as I listen and go through your prayers and pray with you so thank you for your support of Ren, he’s a rare gem in my opinion and the art and realness he brings to the scene is unparalleled! I’d love to see you react to my favorite artist in this music scene NF his new song Hope is a great introduction or you can react to his song Mansion which is older but also a great introduction to him! Mansion was actually my introduction to him as well sir!! Again thank you for your time and prayers my friend!
Just stumbled on your review and I found your theory about sin/nature/nurture pretty compelling. This coming from a semi-agnostic atheist (hedging my bets the older I get, I suppose), I do love religious theology I hadn't thought about before. I'll be really interested to see what you make of some of Ren's more religiously weighted stuff from his new album such as the opening track "Seven Sins". Definitely earned a sub from this semi-believer! :)
I look forward to listening to more of his songs. Each one so far is more than a song, it's a performance, with weighty conversation and dialogue that it creates. Thank you for chatting.
So much sorrow, pain and suffering. And you are right, this wouldn't make headlines even in Finland where I work in social care. Generational suffering. Ren makes your heart break for these people, because you know this happens. 💔❤️
Very much a Shakespearean tragedy, and the more you let it percolate in your mind, the more detail appears... Because they were twins, we now know that Jenny was only 14 too! Just a child, yet she walked the streets at night, regularly. So, we know that neither James nor Jenny had a stable upbringing, being passed around the care system never knowing where they belonged. Neither realising that they had a sibling, each feeling alone and in pain. But that's nurture/circumstance ... both inherit that pain and emptiness, but how they each deal with that pain comes down to their nature/genetics/neurochemistry. We see that they are still their parents children. Jenny has the same fear response as her mother, she freezes, she hides herself, she stays silent... and James has the uncontrollable rage response of a father he never knew. This speaks so loudly to intergenerational pain. And Ren gives these characters SO much depth. He really brings them to life as he explores that intergenerational harm and dysfunction. He brings wisdom far beyond his years to the issue as he paints, for us, the broader story. Because this is NOT the story of a robbery gone wrong... or of a police shooting of a delinquent child. It's the story of how we come to be who we are. It screams at us _"there but for the grace of God, go I"_ And it is precisely this broader more nuanced understanding that we need, in a 'sound-byte' world where we're all so all to quick to judge... a partisan world increasingly taught to see everything painted in black and white terms... A world that increasingly delights in provoking outrage and anger, but never understanding or compassion. Ren is telling the stories we NEED to hear. Stories that change hearts and, one hopes, may even save lives. That teach us to look beyond the headline and understand the complexity and humanity of the moment. This is music that matters : )
A heartfelt reaction ❤. Please be aware the most dangerous time is when you leave because it can become even more dangerous. This is based on the statistics in my country but I suspect it's similar in the USA. I get your intent is with generosity & compassion - thank you for this. What is needed is to help those who are violent to not be violent & help understand why they are that way. They are the ones who need to change. Yes providing a safe haven for those who leave but it's not the easy to leave emotionally & financially. Even the strongest person can find themselves in this situation...
100%. Those that are the aggressors need help. On my second watch through, my honest reaction to the two male aggressors was, through them in jail! Is that the answer? Maybe for a stint to do some reflecting, but it is not the solution. Which posses a good question, How does the church help those aggressors? Thank you for your conversation.
@@pastormattt I've heard from those who work in this space in Australia to support the aggressor. Finding those groups to work with may be a way. A lot of it seems to be creating a safe place to talk with each other. Yet at the same time if you are not ready to be helped there is little that can be done.
Welcome to the RENaissance. I hope you take the trip down the rabbit hole. Also there are interviews and million sub video from Ren that will give you a lot of insight as to why we all love him and appreciate his art.
Ren sings about the abuse Violet suffered at the hands of her father, and that Ren is sure Violet's mother was aware. In the story, one can easily assume that Violet's protestations to her parents while growing up were met with faux disbelief, or more probably, with threats to not bring the topic up again. Nothing in her childhood world could save her, so she learned to be quiet ("Violet was a silent girl ....") to avoid other types of abuse. When she moved out she got a job at Tesco and met Stevie, an a-hole right out of the same mold as her abusive father. It is a truism, I think, that we tend to gravitate toward that with which we are familiar, and it's unreasonable to think that a 16-year-old girl (or boy, for that matter) would have the life experience, the mental acuity, to make radical changes to her life and life style. Moving out seems to have been the limit of her courage; Stevie, for all his faults, at least brought her back to a situation with which she was familiar, tragic though that might have been. Ren is painting a picture of generational continuity. There was no mother, and the father Stevie in all probability was in prison. Jenny and Screech would undoubtedly have been placed into "the system," that is to say, into foster homes, places with their own sullied history of misery for all too many of their charges. Such a scenario could explain Screech's bad boy persona. Of Jenny, we have too little information to speculate. I choose to believe that walking the "floor" (Brit slang for street, alley, roadway) "a thousand times before" does not suggest she may have been a prostitute. Her twin Screech was just 14, so she was too, and a thousand walks would mean she had been walking (in her own neighborhood, in my mind) that route at least since she was 12, and maybe even since she was 11. Maybe she had babysitting jobs, or spent time at the library or with friends in their own homes. Ren gives us no information, so keeping an open mind is just as valid as imagining unsavory reasons for her being out. Ren is a masterful story teller, compelling in his narrative. His guitar style is evocative of flamenco, and for each of his three tales he composed overtures á la an opera, as it were, before settling into the musical theme of each "movement." Kudos to a young man who suffered much at the hands of incompetent superiors, who eventually came out of that situation to tell stories of how life for "the least of these" is often profoundly tragic. Good reaction, padre. I enjoyed that you were able to maintain your composure.
I like that the first thing that came to your mind after the first scene...you said I feel for Screech. God bless you I wish so many others thought that way.
Some have faulted me for a lack of empathy for Jenny, but the song quickly turns to Screech. His back story, his circumstances. My heart breaks for all of them.
@@pastormattt absolutely but the way I see it if it were going to happen Jenny has moved on to a better place. Poor Screech! Keep it up sir and might I suggest a happier side to Ren? Check out his band the big push performing in the Streets. Singing I shot the sheriff/the road to Zion/ and hip hop combo. All of us fans would like to see your take on his talent!!!
there is questioning of "she'd walked these streets" So.. was she a streetwalker? Lady of the night? You are one of a few that caught that. Ren and his Crew, they are the best of my last decade. watch every measure and inch. He gives glory and tells of pain. Gives Glory and speaks of pain. Best man of my recent decade. *edited because i cannot type as fast as i think.
I have watched many... many reactions to this trilogy. A good amount of them all start thinking its probably a love story and everytime i take a breath watching for the moment realise its not that. This trilogy is such a peice of art great video ! - Subscribed ❤
i always suggest listening to the two versions of murderer. it shows so much of ren’s range, humor, talent, team… all the good feels. yes, all that for a song titled murderer😁
So, I do enjoy when you watch this, that part of your reaction is seeing a lesson. Tragedies are often misconstrued as being sad or upsetting for the sake of being so, but often when a classic tragedy was written it was done so to either pose a question to the people. Be it about government, leadership, law, our relationship with God. Or they were meant to show the dire results of a situation in order to teach a lesson. In the context of seeing Ren as a modern day bard and seeing him tell this story it also begs questions we should be asking ourselves to learn from. "When is the time to get out?" "How are cycles broken?" "What makes a 'villain' who they are, and is there space for empathy and seeing them as a whole person rather than just the evil they've done" asking these questions and meditating with them with God helps to be more mindful and understand how to better empathize with the people around us that may be in any of these situations. I really enjoyed your reaction to this. Thank you for sharing.
Is there some kind of like sundance or any independent film award for music videos. Because ren and sam have some amazing videos that deserve awards. It is art at its best.
I'm not religious but if I were u are the type of Pastor that I could get behind. Franciscan in a way but more "in the world" on the the daily. (Not a diss to Franciscans btw, they seem very aware and open, but maybe more detached?)
Pastor - as an atheist I'm constantly bombarded with annoying religious stuff on social media . You do not fall into that category . Your open , intelligent and respectful commentary is appreciated . So often going into prayer in a video a self aggrandising move but you do it in a genuine and honest way . I respect the way you work . Keep it up .
It's very cool that you can show respect and appreciation even though you disagree. That doesn't happen too much anymore in this day and age.
Thank you @drbosommd. Prayers in public can quickly turn into that. Might have been why Jesus told his disciples to do most of their praying in a solitary place.
Same
I totally concur...I usually switch off when I see the religion thing come in but I enjoyed this genuine reaction... thank you!
I'm sorry for our more.. passionate.. Christians. That's not all of us. Jesus doesn't ask you to be religious He just asks for a relationship. Never feel like you're less than anyone else. Never let Christians tell you you're not good enough. Neither are they. We all fall short. It's not about how much you do in your lifetime it's how you do it. You will find Christ in your own time. I grew up with the knowledge of Him but it took me until I was 23 to truly understand the meaning of His sacrifice and what He truly calls us to do. I get attacked by Christians as well. Christ doesn't approve of the bickering and hostility.. especially towards the lost. We are supposed to respect you guys and help yall understand it. Not beat you down and say you're a bad person. You were created in God's image. Whether you believe that yet or not. You were beautifully and fearfully made. Fearfully because of free will. You can choose to accept Him or reject Him. The fearfulness is because He doesn't wish that any of us go to Hell. But it's like if a guy is head over heels for a girl but the girl rejects him. It wouldn't be love if he kept chasing her, it would be harassment.. so out of love he let's her run from him. God does the same. He wishes that all come to Him willingly. But He never forces Himself. As Christians we aren't supposed to force it on anyone either we are only called to lead. To guide the lost to Him. If they wish to go the other way we must respect that. Doesn't mean we stop praying for you because who knows what could happen. It took me almost ending my life before I found Him. I pray you never get to that spot but there's beauty in the pain. The devil doesn't want you to hit rock bottom because if you do then the only thing you'll have left is calling out to God. Whether in anger or otherwise.
This is a Shakespearean tragedy in musical form. Pure art.
Agree, very much a tragedy.
I love that Ren creates a musical narrative that allows us to have this dialogue. So many people watch a Ren performance and are able to start talking about things they have bottled up. Awesome Reaction. Thank You
Very much so opens up the conversation!
RIGHT? He let the genie out of the bottle, and NOW we are TALKING. He has turned VICTIMS into STUDENTS.
Some background: the first two parts of the trilogy were more or less created at the same time, and released individually as videos a few months apart. The concept was born from an article Ren read in the newspaper (or perhaps he saw it on the televised news?) about a 14 year old boy who killed a streetwalker and was later caught and killed by the police. Ren wondered to himself about how something like that could happen, what forces in a person’s life would push them to that point.
Leading up to the release of the videos, Ren released a series of short videos on instagram, where Ren’s phone was taken by a young hood who then uses the phone and instagram account as his own and offers a peek into the life of the young kid, revealed to be Screech. We see his buddy and fellow gangster Patrick, and his other gangster friends, as well as his girlfriend, and it’s very clear in context that Patrick and Screech’s girlfriend are having an affair and hooking up. We have some context now for why Patrick and the girlfriend are unavailable to give Screech refuge later on (Patrick isn’t home because he is at the girlfriends place, which is why she won’t let Screech come over). The short vids lead up to the night of a failed burglary (a burglary failed because Patrick didn’t show up, because he was hooking up with Screech’s girlfriend) and a desperate and alone Screech encountering a young lady walking the streets alone. There are no more videos after that, for obvious reasons.
Violet’s Tale was made several years later and returns to the original duology and offers more background to the pair. Originally, Jenny was just Screech’s victim. She could’ve been a prostitute like the victim in the original news story that inspired the song, but she could’ve just as easily been a woman walking home from a bar or club, yearning to escape a dull and dreary life. All we know is her life is repetitive and that she wants to leave it behind. Violet’s Tale recontextualizes Jenny’s story, providing a reason why she is so quiet, a sort of generational trauma passed on to her from her mother (silent Violet) and her grandmother (Violet’s alcoholic mother who also stayed quiet about Violet’s trauma), as well as the violence of Screech, who is just like his father Stevie.
Without a mother (dead) and father (likely in prison, and it’s questionable if authorities would even know he’s the father, given Violet’s tendency towards silence), the twins would have ended up in “the system” and were separated and raised apart. We know from the Screech instagram vids that Screech lives a rough life without a stable home life. We can presume the same for Jenny, and knowing that she is 14 as well, we can fill in the blanks and presume to know why a 14 year old girl is walking the streets of London at night, alone and in high heels. She is indeed a prostitute, likely driven there by desperation and the failure of society to help her. And she falls victim to the violence of Screech, a violence born also of desperation the failure of society to help him. And they were both born of a victim to violence, as part of a presumably long line of systemic social failure.
Thank you for the thorough update.
A few points to add. We don't know that violet's tale was never part of it from the start. Jenny's take was released in 2019 and Screech's tale in 2020. He wouldn't have been able to film Violet's tale if it was in fact written, because a pandemic happened. Then when he was able to film, he had a lot of other stuff to film first, for the album. Ren knew he was going to be in Canada so he would have wanted to get the important stuff filmed first, on the basis that Jenny and Screech's tales would hold up on their own until he had time to film Violet's tale. Now on to the story, one important part to point out - Violet left home at 16 and moved into a council flat paid for by a welfare scheme - that would only happen, if she was ALREADY pregnant. Since she already had the flat when she met Stevie, it suggests that Violet's father is actually the father of Jenny and Screech and not Stevie (who in any case would have gone to jail for manslaughter - or from the IG "choose your adventure" stories, may have fled the country). Violets mother who was a drinker, most likely was abused in the same way as Violet - by her own father, because in these situations just like Violet did, they tend to pick a partner that continues the cycle.
@@AndrewJonesMcGuire I hadn't picked up on the fact that Violet would already be pregnant, but you're absolutely right - she would never have been given a flat at 16 without special circumstances, eg, being pregnant! Gosh, I find out new things about Ren's songs no matter how many times I watch/listen!
@@AndrewJonesMcGuire I always wondered why in the hundreds of reactions I've seen, no one picked up on or discussed violet's father potentially being Jenny and Screech's dad. I don't live in the UK and so did not realize the fact that she wouldn't have had the council flat at 16 if she wasn't pregnant. No matter how many times you watch this you learn something new everyday.
@@allenjudepaiva there's a major housing shortage in the UK, there has been for decades. Even if you are of great need - you can still be on a waiting list for years, but typically pregnant young adults get bumped up the list over other people. Violet would only have been bumped up that list if she was already pregnant AND had moved to a different council area - otherwise the council would say she could stay with her mum and Dad until they could find a place for her.
"I'll spare you of the things he did I'm sure her mother knew".
This always hits me hard. I was sexually abused by my stepdad for 8 years. In my home in the middle of the night. I'm fortunate that I had other good parental figures in my life and that helped me at least became fairly well adjusted. I know that is a privelege I had that many don't though.
The Money Game Trilogy maybe next? Also highly recommend Chalk Outlines and How to be Me with Chinchilla, and For Joe, rapping on The Hunger, Losing It, Sick Boi (also the title of his album that just went no1 in the UK and now in Australia
Chalk Outlines with Chinchilla is one of those songs that give me full body chills, especially when she hits those high notes. I discovered Ren on tiktok 2 years ago, and I'm so incredibly thrilled that he just hit #1 in the UK. He deserves every single bit of success that is coming his way.
Also realize these are all live performances. Each of the 3 tales was done in one continuous take.
Unbelievably impressive.
"Do you think I want to do this!?" - words spoken by many abusers, also many abused victims hear these words, believe it and think it is their fault.
~Me before you started Violet's Tale~ Here, take this with you, it's dangerous out there 🤗❤
Ren gives us a well-deserved punch in the stomach!
This happens... and we cannot and should not afford to look away!
Thanks for the reaction!
As a survivor of DV, I'm so happy to see an artist like Ren manage to make these horrors stark and visceral without glamorizing or moralizing.
I'm thankful to have had friends in my church community who told me that "God always stands with the oppressed," instead of telling me to put my marriage before my and my childrens' safety.
We are doing very well because of the many people who helped us start over.
Glad to hear this.
How come your fellow deluded chums have to tell you what a god has to say, doesn't it like you?
Ren isn't afraid of looking into the dark corners of life that most people avoid. It starts conversations that maybe, just maybe, might reach someone who needs to know they aren't alone. It's not always easy to hear but sometimes it shouldn't be easy, just heard.
As a DV victim, this song hits me hard every time I hear it. Thankfully, I am alive. But he caused a neck injury and broke my lumbar and I am permanently disabled. Now, I am divorced and have sole custody of our 15 yr old son and struggling to break that generational curse.
You've got to speak up. If not fir yourself, then tonsave your children from becoming what they learn.
Nurture is required to overcome nature.
We have a lot of nurturing to do. We can quickly loose sight of that.
This is a sad, but realistic set of tales.
After Violet's death the twins would have been taken into care by the state, and as babies would quickly find foster homes, but not together. Some people think that foster homes are nice middle class families, but that is not often the case. Some foster families are poor, and some live in rough areas of the city which is not a great environment. Kids are often fostered locally by the Local Authority, and this could easily be in the same borough of a city, and as such the chances of siblings crossing paths is realistic.
Jenny, Screech, and Violet are all victims.
If Jenny and Screech were fostered locally, in Paddington, it would be natural for Jenny to be a prostitute, as the bad parts of Paddington are notoriously a red-light district. It also explains that she came across as a 'lady' to screech, dolled up and wearing high heeled shoes, walking home late, even though she was only 14. Those poor kids did not stand much of a chance in life, even though their choices were poor, there wouldn't have been too many options for either of them.
I felt your emotion watching this and yes, Jenny and Screech were twins born of Violet - An account of generational violence. I have watched the tale of Jenny & Screech many times as different people react to it and I feel that with your reaction a few poor souls going through this will realise they need to get out. God bless you ❤🙏
I hope so.
I love your reaction and your sympathy for the characters. Theres a video that Ren made as Screech that gives him more background to the character and it gives you more sympathy for Screechs character.
Yup- not all songs have to be something catchy you listen to regular. This is kinda to music what schindlers list or something similar is to film.. It deserves its oscars but you really dont wanna watch it regular for 'fun'.
Totally agree.
That being said, you could easily find yourself humming along to his songs because his musical skills give you songs that make you want to listen to, even when you're not focusing on the lyrics.
Violets tale is my favorite of the 3 and when I heard it I wanted to add to my playlist for the musical side of it but couldn't. It makes me tear up every time I hear it.
There was a series of videos Ren put on his Instagram that showed some of the scenes from the day Screech murdered Jenny. He was routinely abused by his foster father and was trying to rob a house to get money to leave town, and ended up being chased out by the owner. Screech took a knife to defend himself from the owner then had the idea to mug Jenny. The song was inspired by a newspaper article Ren read. I love the rigorous exercise in empathy this trilogy presents, as awful as the subject matter is 😢
I think a big part of Ren's message is that the people in this song are as real and matter as much in the world as any politician or movie star.
I’m a survivor of severe childhood sexual abuse, who also grew up in an extremely Christian conservative area (Idaho), and your prayer really touched me. I am agnostic and lean Buddhist in my spiritual practices, and I found in that community environment is that what people meant when they’d “pray for me,” they meant, they prayed that I would find Jesus. It really made me distance myself from them-it felt condescending and proselytizing, and lacked genuine care.
I found myself crying through your prayer-it felt so empathetic and genuinely concerned about the well-being of the whole human being, and not about whether I sign up to the Jesus club or not. Thank you so much.
But prayer is irrelevant unless it's to the correct magical imaginary hero.
@@imwelshjesus It's never irrelevant. Prayer is good for the mind. It gives you a way to vocalize what's wrong in your life and get it off your chest, even if there is or isn't a divine being.
If an individual finds consolation in some form of delusion or meditation, then fine whatever turns you on or off, but when a grift earns a living from pretending to have some kind of inside track to a magical fabricated being then I'm happy to call them out or mock them. Ah! men. @@digbydark9313
This is why I subscribed. I come from a very strong catholic upbringing. I was so into my faith and had what I thought was a strong relationship with God...until one of my youth ministers berated me on a bus because of the book I was reading called "Spirit Guides" . I remember thinking 🤔" Who are you to tell me what Is Demonic ? We pray to saints, our ancestors, and God for guidance who is to say we don't have Spirit Guides? "
I DIDN'T GET CONFIRMED and stop going. I literally just became spiritual instead with belief in Jesus Buddha and Mohammed ect.
Put it all together they were exactly who and what energy was needed on the planet for our spiritual evolution 🙏 However I am coming to a deeper understanding of Christianity. Jesus energy and WWJD energy is the only thing in this particular dense earth energy that will save our souls from what is possibly a true spiritual battle we are facing. So the compassion you have is Christ like. Thank you for making me feel love.
6:14 escape. I'm so glad you caught that. Soooo many reactors miss that from earlier in the song and think she got away as opposed to being killed.
Jenny & Screech were aligned side by side at birth and death!
The first two parts are based on two separate, but true stories he remembered from newspapers. He wrote and recorded Violet's Tale a few years later, to complete the tragic cycle. I live in a rough-ish part of London - and it's a very, very believable tale.
Regarding your commentary, "If this happens, you've just gotta get out..." Well yes, but what do US social services have to offer? For that matter, might I ask what does your church have to offer under such circumstances? You can bet it's happening all around you, in silence, because there's simply nowhere else to go. If Christians did less proselytizing, and more quiet "doing", churches might actually start to refill.
McMicken Heights Church:
"We invest time, energy and resources to practically meet the needs of the last and the least among us". I sincerely hope your words aren't just words. Best wishes. (Apologies for the sermon! - Ha!)
"
No apologies needed. And amen on being invested in the community. I have recently been introduced to what US social services have to offer through a state crisis connection program. There are of course other non-profits that focus on housing for victims of domestic abuse, and other forms of abuse. Our church has begun being invested in a handful of community outreach venues. We feed people, clothe people, offer shelter. We have begun partnering with the local school districts and providing support there. There are soooooo many needs and it is hard sometimes. It reminds me of Jesus' words, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
I'm aware that Government/State funded social services are pretty limited in your country, and NGOs such as your church must have a heavy burden to carry - I applaud the great work you do. (I suppose that's a downside to the American distaste for anything with the slightest whiff of "socialism" about it - those in need have to rely on the arbitrary nature of charity).
The problem with domestic violence is, whilst the hungry, impoverished and homeless are there in plain sight for all to see, what goes on behind closed doors stays there, unless the victims are made aware that there are viable alternatives.
In the UK, we have fairly well publicised (and government funded) Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program, and many churches and charities also offer safe accommodation. Local Councils also have a legal duty to fund domestic abuse support services.
So much domestic abuse goes on unnoticed or ignored, and to be able to offer an "escape route" is I believe, a most worthy act. Best wishes.
Very empathetic reaction ❤. As a single parent to a 10 year old boy, I also felt sorry for Screech.
This trilogy is a bold statement on the effects of systemic abuse, alcohol drug use and poverty.
You're so empathetic and see this in all dimensions. I'm kind of afraid for you as you go forward into Violet's Tale.
...
A wonderful, raw reaction. I am not religious but that was a beautiful prayer at the end, and if put my atheism aside and I accepted that God was helping victims, then those with hearts like yours is how it would work. And actually I can take that without the need to believe anything else. Thank you.
Thank you @nenasadie. That means a lot to me.
Ren saw a news story about a 14 yo charged with murder and could not stop pondering what situation led to that outcome- and wrote ( over a few years) this trilogy about the cycle of trauma neglect and violence…
From 2005 to the time of this release, it is 14 years, the children's age. It is real and it is life every day in our world, not a judgment just a fact that Ren wants to bring forward because people let it happen and then forget. Ren is such a good human.
The end gets me every time.
Its always interesting to see reactions from different perspective, this would be the first time i've seen someone felt sad about Screech.
It's sad. A case of generational trauma. It is crazy, and Ren delivers a great performance and story with these ballads.
If Women's refuges were properly funded, it would be easier for victims to "just get out". We as men need to acknowledge that it isn't as easy as it logically appears. You cannot flee if you have nowhere to flee to.
Very true.
This went beyond a musical performance and is something akin to parable.
I am struck by my recently re-reading about the first murder in the bible - where one sibling killed another in Cain and Abel - and realise how these themes are so ancient, primal and unchanging. See also the violent jealousies between twins or siblings, like Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers and soi on.
Ren is drawing on very deep material here.
Very true.
I love watching people unpack this video.
I am not a Christian, I guess I would describe myself as agnostic, but sometimes I experience moments that I can only describe as spiritual or religious. I very much felt your reaction to these tragic tales, and it just felt right and consequential to stick around for your prayer. Thank you for that- You have a new subscriber!
It's called empathy and is quite natural and something we share with other mammals.
@@imwelshjesus thanks for telling me. But not everybody is capable of expressing it so openly. In fact, it seems to be easier for human beings to be patronizing- do you have any wisdom to share if this is also to be found in other mammals, or is this a trait only to be found in humans?
Certainly a proud trait of mine, what about you?@@violindylan
@@imwelshjesus nah, I am more into calling out BS behavior
Fine, not as amusing though.@@violindylan
Ren is an artist. He paints pictures with words and music that leave you in awe. Others have said he is a modern day bard. His ability to tell a story is incredible.
This particular 'song' is one of his most powerful.
His videos are always amazing and each part of this trilogy was filmed live in one take.
And he has done all this whilst recovering from illness and psychosis, with minimal budgets and without the backing of a major label. He is able to have full control of his output.
Thank you for your reaction it was a difficult and emotional one.
One take seems to be a Ren theme. it is impressive.
Oh man..... The moment you paused and started talking about nature vs nurture, I really thought that you might be the first person to guess the end.
You came really close, and don't get me wrong, so many people don't even catch Violet being the mother. You almost caught it several minutes beforehand.
I'll be coming back for what you have to share.
Enjoyed your reaction.
3 good Ren songs to get a feel for his diverse talents:
1 - Chalk Outlines f/ Chinchilla
2 - Genesis
3 - Bongo Bong by his band The Big Push
🎉
ALSO. Not sure how I forgot this, as it's normally my go to recommendation - his 1 million YT subscriber speech!! It's so empowering and shows how being blessed/lifted can help others!
I have seen it.
If anyone asks you what is generational trauma ,this is the example. It starts with Violets parents , in poverty and alcohol addiction , they create a daughter ,Violet who can't speak up or create personal boundaries because of her damage. She and Stevie (very much like her father ) reproduce the scenario and their children are born in violence.
When I first heard ths story I was annoyed that Jenny was so lightly passed over but as I reviewed it more ,I found that Jenny's tale is told silently the only way she could tell it .
Jennys experience of family life ,with institutions and foster parents, was no better than Screetch's and at 14 ,was cruising the streets of London, in high heels,alone and vulnerable late in the night, was normal to her , like all people coming home from work she was weary . She was silent in her paralysed in her fear ,like all girls who have been robbed of their voice and rights to their own bodies, something she shaired with her mother .
Ren wrote these tales after seeing a report of a knife crime ,where the perpetrator was only 14 the rest is from his imagination and took years to develop into the morality play it is today. I believe Ren saw himself in Screetch , if you listen to his song Power he talks of his own teen troubles. He states ,in that song ,that he got through drug experimentation and bad company by focusing on his inner power .he never says what his power is but most would say it was his ability to express himself in music .
This 3 part power punch to the mind and spirit ,has like many of Rens songs been a conversation starter, Ren's ability to express open raw , honest vulnerability emotion has encouraged many men and women to shair their own stories of , incest sexual molestation , domestic violence ,rape and dysfunctional families . It is a multi generational conversation that has rickershade around the world. These conversations need to be shaired , there is no healing so powerful as a woman who has experienced D.V. watching a male ,gentle soul, recoil and at times weep for Violet in her situation, as many men have done . Some have gone on,to express what it was like to be a child in such a relationship .These conversations and the help and knowledge of on line resources have been valuable to many along with the fellowship.
I know that it is very difficult to say anything at all ,after hearing Violets tale and that is the correct response.
Thank you for your reaction and insights
Thank you for adding your love and wisdom to a valuable conversation.
❤❤
Its crazy to think that Screech got the violance from his father and Jenny got the silence of her mother.
Also, it was revealed on a post in Ren's Instagram (i think) that when Screechy goes to the door and his friend didn't opened for him and later when he calls for his girlfriend, its supposed to mean that the friend and his gf are together, behind Screechy's back and thats why Screechy couldn't go to his gf.
Btw, great reaction! First time im seeing your channel! Keep up the good work!
That prayer was lovely. I’m not a really religious person but you do it better than any church I’ve ever attended. Thank you.
Jenny’s tale was about prostitution, Screech’s tale about crime and murders in the streets, and Violet’s tale about sexual and domestic abuse
Spot on but turned out the jenny and screech were related. They were twins
@@stonie4202 ....and Violet is their mother, the generational transfer of abuse and pain.
Screech was 14 years old when he killed Jenny.....his twin sister.......she was also 14 years old 😢
I have often wondered if anybody watching this song has ever thought or realised that they were a victim.. or maybe, that they were a Stevie or a Screech.
This and Hi Ren are pieces of art that should be shared and had conversations about. If I had children, and they were of appropriate age, I would expose them to them to educate them on these things.
Lastly. The main reason to follow Ren (I can feel your un-comfortability watching this)... is his desire to bring to the forefront of humans minds the things that are destroying us. He WANTS us to talk about the awful things we do that are destroying the human race, so we can fix them. He is agnostic, but appreciates religious components that make people think. He references the 7 sins often, even in his new album... 7 Sins is a deep song that I think has the potential to open eyes to a lot of people.
Amazing and touching reaction. Pleased you understood the ending as it completes such a sad but powerful story.
One of the best reactions to this song. Not seen many reactions like this. You're a very caring soul. God bless you.
It'll be another hard video to watch, but his song "For Joe" is a truly special and heartfelt piece. A tribute to a dear childhood friend that took his own life.
Resonates deeply with me and apparently many others.
He wrote Jenny’s tale after a stabbing in London. About the knife violence over there
Thank you for your reaction. 🙂
Sir, as a Pagan...raised Amish...I appreciate your humanity and heart. This is TOUGH subject matter, done so...RAWLY and yet so...BEAUTIFULLY... I appreciate Ren's aim at shining light on some of the uglier things we'd rather NOT look at....but NEED to. They have been moving and life-changing to me. It isn't all "pretty" but it is MAGICAL together. Performance Art. Subscribed!! I appreciate your "we are all in this together" attitude, I'm not surprised many of your other subscribers aren't Christian....they watch for you. BE who you believe in. ❤ I'm certain the Bible was not intended to be a weapon of warfare, or a tool to harm. Unfortunately, in some religious sects, the abuse is sanctified. Life is hard. Follow your heart.
Thank you for your reaction Pastor ❤
I must say that it frustrates me no end when men look at domestic violence situations from a purely reactionary perspective and put all responsibility for action on the part of the victim(woman) and no responsibilty on the perpetrator. While any woman being abused does need to take steps to make herself safe and remove herself and her children, we as a society need to take a systematic approach to raising our boys and young men in a way that removes subtle masochistic tendencies and recognise the abuse of power that can occur with men over women. Society has been set up in a way that women have to fight to be believed and heard, and men are not held as accountble as they should be. This needs to change on a fundamental level, or the cycle is doomed to be repeated.
Absolutely.
100%. One of the stated issues from the beginning in Genesis 3, now that sin has entered the world, is the struggle in relationships between men and women, husbands and wives particularly. And the problem is that each party will try to rule over/ dominate the other. Healthy relationships are not dominated by one but when both act in mutual submission to one another. And this is hard. One issue with filming a reaction is that it is just that, a reaction. The aggressors need to seek help as well.
hello, dear! may i first say, i so enjoyed joining you in prayer. another sucessful ren mind-meld!!! ren's the best at bringing 'stuff' to the surface, imho. where we can look at it and talk about it. just one of the reasons i love my man, ren!!! kathleen bts renegade
Hey Pastor Matt! My husband is also a Pastor Matt. 😊. As I watched this and then heard your prayer…I couldn’t help but wonder how many people genuinely know that HE also went through a life of tragedy. I can’t get through Isaiah 53 without sobbing like a crazy person ….thinking of the fact that his suffering was much longer than the cross. He was an outcast. His siblings didn’t want anything to do with him, the town drunks sang songs about him. And since people didn’t understand , he was more than likely….repeatedly called a “bastard”. He must have been so incredibly lonely without the Father. I can’t fathom how difficult it was knowing each day brought him closer to his own murder. Yet….it was His joy to do that for us??!!! It’s absolutely mind blowing and I wish so badly that everyone KNEW just how much they are loved. There’s so much sadness and pain in this world but…. It’s just right now. It’s just for right now. What is this small life compared to eternity? And the fact that He’s coming back so soon…SO SOON….it’s overwhelming. There’s so many who need to know….so many who live a life of suffering who NEED that hope. It’s really nice to see believers step out of their comfort zone and truly attempt to understand what others are going through. Your grace and understanding with these videos and your loving genuine prayers at the end….are beautiful. Blessings my friend.
Your line about Jesus being referred to as "bastard" is spot on. It would have painted the stark contrast as John the Baptist said, behold the Lamb of God. Very different pictures. Thank you for sharing. Will pray for you and your husband, Matt.
@@pastormattt truth. Imagine what John must have felt in that moment. It’s soon going to be our turn. Revelations is coming alive right before our eyes. That’s why I think what you did here was so great. You are showing people the genuine authentic love of Christ by being open and honest and simply…SEEING. Some people just want to be seen and you taking those moments of pause to be like “I know this pain is real and I feel for you”….followed by understanding and prayer for that pain? Yes. Absolutely yes. Goodnight from north Texas….from one pastor Matt (well, his wife at least) to another. Ok that was lame. 😂
Experience. You nailed it, Thats it, The Ren Experience.
Ren, the masterful storytelling genius of our times!
Thank you for this reaction as a Pastor. I have a few friends or loved ones I had wanted to share "the Tale" with but I feel like it may just be too raw for them or too bleak. Some of them are spiritual church-goers and I almost feel like having them experience "the Tale" through your reaction might be the best way. Thank you for being an embodiment of empathy and understanding when the cliche reaction it seems might be to want to turn it off or push it away or not expose your viewers to such harsh language and themes. (as an aside, I still laugh every time I think of Ren screaming at the top of his lunges in what is obviously at least a semi populated area. I have heard they did actually have to restart due to people yelling at them to shut up ;)
Thank you for sharing. I had not heard about people yelling at Ren to be quiet. Haha.
There aren't a lot of tracks of Ren that I would "recommend" to a Pastor, but I really encourage you to check out Power. It has hard hitting, real life scenarios with an uplifting message. I'd love for you to keep doing Ren, as I love your reactions... but I'd also enjoy seeing your energy go to where it can empower others more in this crazy world. But Power by Ren, 100% recommend!!!
Amen.
❤❤❤❤❤❤ Absolutely adore you Matt ! Please keep being real and spreading your message. We adore you in 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇦 ❤️
Great reaction. As a pastor you really should do Ren's "Dear God". Im sure you love it.
It melts my heart that you are sympathizing with Screech right away. 💙
Amen! (sadly Screech knocked on the wrong door.) I understand that at least Jenny's tale is based on a murder that Ren heard about on the news. The newscaster ended the story remarking that it was such a shame. I think that's one of Ren's storytelling skills: he doesn't rub our face in it, but he holds up a mirror to a world where a young woman, possibly very young (they were 14 in this song) may be not only being horrendously exploited but also is murdered. When we dig deeper, we learn of multi-generational trauma, and how people slip through the cracks. And to end it with "it's such a shame." And it is that, but that also feels so glib and numb to what happens to our fellow human beings. And the implications of that are terrifying. That way lies Auschwitz and the gulags. God help us!
Well said.
The tale is set in London, Paddington, UK, which if you live in London, you know its sexworker central. And 14 year old Jenny has "walked these streets a thousand times before" so it's pretty clear she is a sexworker. Ren wrote it after reading of the death of a 14 yr old sex worker in his local newspaper.
My nf friend! I appreciate your prayers at the end of your videos as I listen and go through your prayers and pray with you so thank you for your support of Ren, he’s a rare gem in my opinion and the art and realness he brings to the scene is unparalleled! I’d love to see you react to my favorite artist in this music scene NF his new song Hope is a great introduction or you can react to his song Mansion which is older but also a great introduction to him! Mansion was actually my introduction to him as well sir!! Again thank you for your time and prayers my friend!
Both NF and Dax are two other artists that people have recommended. I will be looking into them both. Thank you for the recommendation.
your emotional reaction caused my emotional reaction.. and i have watched this a ton of times.. Thank you for caring and showing it!
Just stumbled on your review and I found your theory about sin/nature/nurture pretty compelling. This coming from a semi-agnostic atheist (hedging my bets the older I get, I suppose), I do love religious theology I hadn't thought about before. I'll be really interested to see what you make of some of Ren's more religiously weighted stuff from his new album such as the opening track "Seven Sins". Definitely earned a sub from this semi-believer! :)
I look forward to listening to more of his songs. Each one so far is more than a song, it's a performance, with weighty conversation and dialogue that it creates. Thank you for chatting.
Well a thank you to Ren for people to be able to talk about this subject. Most artists skirt these discussions.
So much sorrow, pain and suffering. And you are right, this wouldn't make headlines even in Finland where I work in social care. Generational suffering. Ren makes your heart break for these people, because you know this happens. 💔❤️
Very much a Shakespearean tragedy, and the more you let it percolate in your mind, the more detail appears...
Because they were twins, we now know that Jenny was only 14 too! Just a child, yet she walked the streets at night, regularly. So, we know that neither James nor Jenny had a stable upbringing, being passed around the care system never knowing where they belonged. Neither realising that they had a sibling, each feeling alone and in pain.
But that's nurture/circumstance ... both inherit that pain and emptiness, but how they each deal with that pain comes down to their nature/genetics/neurochemistry. We see that they are still their parents children. Jenny has the same fear response as her mother, she freezes, she hides herself, she stays silent... and James has the uncontrollable rage response of a father he never knew.
This speaks so loudly to intergenerational pain.
And Ren gives these characters SO much depth. He really brings them to life as he explores that intergenerational harm and dysfunction. He brings wisdom far beyond his years to the issue as he paints, for us, the broader story. Because this is NOT the story of a robbery gone wrong... or of a police shooting of a delinquent child.
It's the story of how we come to be who we are. It screams at us _"there but for the grace of God, go I"_
And it is precisely this broader more nuanced understanding that we need, in a 'sound-byte' world where we're all so all to quick to judge... a partisan world increasingly taught to see everything painted in black and white terms...
A world that increasingly delights in provoking outrage and anger, but never understanding or compassion.
Ren is telling the stories we NEED to hear. Stories that change hearts and, one hopes, may even save lives. That teach us to look beyond the headline and understand the complexity and humanity of the moment.
This is music that matters : )
Amazing Reaction! You speak wise words!
Thank you pastor, for your prayers!!! In Jesus name!!! Amen from the UK ❤🙏🙏❤
Silent girl … let that sink in
Let’s not judge but help and embrace
And honestly for both of them both
Some more Ren songs to react to: "Money Game part 3," "Dear God, " and "Seven Sins". Keep up the great work
A heartfelt reaction ❤. Please be aware the most dangerous time is when you leave because it can become even more dangerous. This is based on the statistics in my country but I suspect it's similar in the USA. I get your intent is with generosity & compassion - thank you for this. What is needed is to help those who are violent to not be violent & help understand why they are that way. They are the ones who need to change. Yes providing a safe haven for those who leave but it's not the easy to leave emotionally & financially. Even the strongest person can find themselves in this situation...
100%. Those that are the aggressors need help. On my second watch through, my honest reaction to the two male aggressors was, through them in jail! Is that the answer? Maybe for a stint to do some reflecting, but it is not the solution. Which posses a good question, How does the church help those aggressors? Thank you for your conversation.
@@pastormattt I've heard from those who work in this space in Australia to support the aggressor. Finding those groups to work with may be a way. A lot of it seems to be creating a safe place to talk with each other. Yet at the same time if you are not ready to be helped there is little that can be done.
Welcome to the RENaissance. I hope you take the trip down the rabbit hole. Also there are interviews and million sub video from Ren that will give you a lot of insight as to why we all love him and appreciate his art.
Amen. Thank you, Pastor. So many need this support. ❤
Ren sings about the abuse Violet suffered at the hands of her father, and that Ren is sure Violet's mother was aware. In the story, one can easily assume that Violet's protestations to her parents while growing up were met with faux disbelief, or more probably, with threats to not bring the topic up again. Nothing in her childhood world could save her, so she learned to be quiet ("Violet was a silent girl ....") to avoid other types of abuse.
When she moved out she got a job at Tesco and met Stevie, an a-hole right out of the same mold as her abusive father. It is a truism, I think, that we tend to gravitate toward that with which we are familiar, and it's unreasonable to think that a 16-year-old girl (or boy, for that matter) would have the life experience, the mental acuity, to make radical changes to her life and life style. Moving out seems to have been the limit of her courage; Stevie, for all his faults, at least brought her back to a situation with which she was familiar, tragic though that might have been.
Ren is painting a picture of generational continuity. There was no mother, and the father Stevie in all probability was in prison. Jenny and Screech would undoubtedly have been placed into "the system," that is to say, into foster homes, places with their own sullied history of misery for all too many of their charges. Such a scenario could explain Screech's bad boy persona. Of Jenny, we have too little information to speculate. I choose to believe that walking the "floor" (Brit slang for street, alley, roadway) "a thousand times before" does not suggest she may have been a prostitute. Her twin Screech was just 14, so she was too, and a thousand walks would mean she had been walking (in her own neighborhood, in my mind) that route at least since she was 12, and maybe even since she was 11. Maybe she had babysitting jobs, or spent time at the library or with friends in their own homes. Ren gives us no information, so keeping an open mind is just as valid as imagining unsavory reasons for her being out.
Ren is a masterful story teller, compelling in his narrative. His guitar style is evocative of flamenco, and for each of his three tales he composed overtures á la an opera, as it were, before settling into the musical theme of each "movement." Kudos to a young man who suffered much at the hands of incompetent superiors, who eventually came out of that situation to tell stories of how life for "the least of these" is often profoundly tragic.
Good reaction, padre. I enjoyed that you were able to maintain your composure.
Thank you sooo much for your prayer! God bless you.
Ren, the traveling, Shakespearean Bard 😊
Beautiful reaction
Amazing reaction, thank you so much!!!
I like that the first thing that came to your mind after the first scene...you said I feel for Screech. God bless you I wish so many others thought that way.
Some have faulted me for a lack of empathy for Jenny, but the song quickly turns to Screech. His back story, his circumstances. My heart breaks for all of them.
@@pastormattt absolutely but the way I see it if it were going to happen Jenny has moved on to a better place. Poor Screech! Keep it up sir and might I suggest a happier side to Ren? Check out his band the big push performing in the Streets. Singing I shot the sheriff/the road to Zion/ and hip hop combo. All of us fans would like to see your take on his talent!!!
It's a heart-wrenching song of, sadly, reality....😢
there is questioning of "she'd walked these streets" So.. was she a streetwalker? Lady of the night? You are one of a few that caught that.
Ren and his Crew, they are the best of my last decade. watch every measure and inch. He gives glory and tells of pain. Gives Glory and speaks of pain. Best man of my recent decade. *edited because i cannot type as fast as i think.
I love RENs art. I listen to him nonstop it’s all so captivating
Amazing he can make something so sad and so beautiful at the same time
You have such a loving heart ❤ it's probably why you decided to be a pastor 😊
Modern day bard!! i love that!!
I have watched many... many reactions to this trilogy. A good amount of them all start thinking its probably a love story and everytime i take a breath watching for the moment realise its not that. This trilogy is such a peice of art great video ! - Subscribed ❤
i always suggest listening to the two versions of murderer. it shows so much of ren’s range, humor, talent, team… all the good feels. yes, all that for a song titled murderer😁
There are so many people living in a situation like this described and the generational violence it brings is horrific.
The silence at the end of Violets tale…deafening
So, I do enjoy when you watch this, that part of your reaction is seeing a lesson. Tragedies are often misconstrued as being sad or upsetting for the sake of being so, but often when a classic tragedy was written it was done so to either pose a question to the people. Be it about government, leadership, law, our relationship with God. Or they were meant to show the dire results of a situation in order to teach a lesson. In the context of seeing Ren as a modern day bard and seeing him tell this story it also begs questions we should be asking ourselves to learn from. "When is the time to get out?" "How are cycles broken?" "What makes a 'villain' who they are, and is there space for empathy and seeing them as a whole person rather than just the evil they've done" asking these questions and meditating with them with God helps to be more mindful and understand how to better empathize with the people around us that may be in any of these situations. I really enjoyed your reaction to this. Thank you for sharing.
Is there some kind of like sundance or any independent film award for music videos. Because ren and sam have some amazing videos that deserve awards. It is art at its best.
Your a very good reactor. Thank you so much.
I'm not religious but if I were u are the type of Pastor that I could get behind. Franciscan in a way but more "in the world" on the the daily. (Not a diss to Franciscans btw, they seem very aware and open, but maybe more detached?)
Thank you for your insightful reaction, discussion and advice.
This is a masterpiece work of art that could easily be on education curriculums.
Richard was the officer, thank you Pastor
Liked your reaction, dude 👍
I’m a new believer. ❤ Ren has truly brung me as girl who got out of bad.