A 21-year-old from Toronto, Canada, Lauren Isenberg, known professionally a… Read Full Bio ↴A 21-year-old from Toronto, Canada, Lauren Isenberg, known professionally as RENforshort, is a female Canadian singer-songwriter most known for her prominent sound in bedroom pop, and her collaborations with German drummer YouTuber Sina Doering in 2016, before she established her independent career with the release of "Waves". The song's moderate success attracted attention from Geffen Records, and later Interscope Records.

She released her debut EP, "Teenage Angst", through Interscope Records in March 2020, which spawned the moderate hits "i drive me mad" and "idc". Her second EP, "off saint dominique" was released in June 2021 with discography highlights "wannabe" and "fall apart", the latter featuring peer hyperpop/indie pop artist glaive. Both releases have garnered over 18 million streams to date. Isenberg's debut studio album "Amelia" featuring collaborations with Travis Barker and aldn, was released in July 2022.

Virtual Reality
RENforshort Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Eighteen, plugged in and out of touch
I think sometimes I think too much
Self diagnosed with self sabotage, whoa

Because I wake up and check my phone before I even get to take a
Breath and sometimes I wonder if I need a break from it
Before I break from it, I

I don't wanna live my life on the internet
I already smoke electronic cigarettes
Been inside the last six months and I'm sick of it
Yeah, I need something real, I need something real
I don't wanna live my life on the internet
I just wanna go outside like a kid again
I been here the last six months and I'm sick of it
Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

Anxious, blankets over my head
Scrolling, going on 3 AM
Pass out, just to do it again, whoa

Because I wake up and check my phone before I even get to take a
Breath and sometimes I wonder if I need a break from it
Before I break from it, I

I don't wanna live my life on the internet
I already smoke electronic cigarettes
Been inside the last six months and I'm sick of it
Yeah, I need something real, I need something real
I don't wanna live my life on the internet
I just wanna go outside like a kid again
I been here the last six months and I'm sick of it
Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

I need something real
I need something real, yeah, yeah
I need something real
I need something real

I don't wanna live my life on the internet
I already smoke electronic cigarettes
Been inside the last six months and I'm sick of it
Yeah, I need something real, I need something real
I don't wanna live my life on the internet
I just wanna go outside like a kid again
I been here the last six months and I'm sick of it

Yeah, I need something real, I need something real
I need something real

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Virtual Reality" by RENforshort tackle the theme of technology addiction, specifically the negative effects of social media on mental health. The song starts with the singer acknowledging her age and the fact that she is constantly connected to technology, but still feels out of touch. She recognizes her own tendency to overthink and self-sabotage, which might be partially attributed to the constant connection to technology that makes it difficult to unplug and which provokes anxiety in her.

As the song progresses, she describes the vicious cycle of waking up and checking her phone before even taking a breath, revealing a deep-rooted connection to her phone that she is simultaneously judgemental of and trapped by. She expresses the desire to disconnect from her virtual life in order to experience something real again, possibly longing for the carefree days of childhood. She acknowledges the negative impact of being online all the time; electronic cigarettes are seemingly not doing her any good and have become indicative of her desire to live in a different kind of reality.

Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the ways technology has altered our capacity to connect with others and with our own feelings, and a plea to break from the harsh hold of social media and virtual realities.

Line by Line Meaning

Eighteen, plugged in and out of touch
At eighteen years old, I am constantly connected to technology but feel disconnected from reality.

I think sometimes I think too much
My overthinking about technology and social media is causing me to feel anxious and overwhelmed.

Self diagnosed with self sabotage, whoa
I recognize that my excessive use of technology is harmful to my mental health.

Because I wake up and check my phone before I even get to take a Breath and sometimes I wonder if I need a break from it Before I break from it, I
I have developed a constant need to check my phone and social media, but I worry that this habit will cause me to become mentally unwell.

Anxious, blankets over my head Scrolling, going on 3 AM Pass out, just to do it again, whoa
My technology use has caused me to develop anxiety and poor sleeping habits, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and overuse.

I need something real I need something real, yeah, yeah I need something real I need something real
I am insistent on finding a way to connect with the world that is not reliant on technology and social media.

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Jesse Finkelstein, Kellen Pomeranz, Lauren Isenberg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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01wannabe2:32

02Virtual Reality2:41

PT2M41S

06this is just a story3:24

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@user-ed7ri1jf5s

3y↑1

renforshort - virtual reality

[Verse 1]

Eighteen, plugged in and out of touch

열여덟이야*, 인터넷에 접속했다 말았다 해

*renforshort는 'virtual reality'가 발매된 2021년 2월 기준으로 만 18세이다

I think sometimes I think too much

가끔씩 난 너무 많이 생각하는 것 같아

Self diagnosed with self sabotage, woah

자가 진단해볼 때 자기 파괴자야

[Pre-Chorus]

Because I wake up and check my phone

왜냐면 난 일어나서 핸드폰부터 보거든

Before I even get to take a breath

심지어 숨도 쉬기 전에 말이야

And sometimes I wonder if I need a break from it

가끔은 내가 그것에서 벗어나 쉬어야 하나 싶어

Before I break from it, I

내가 그것 때문에 부서지기 전에*

*break: 휴식, 중단 / 고장나다, 부수다

[Chorus]

I don't wanna live my life on the internet

내 인생을 인터넷에서 살고 싶지는 않아

I already smoke electronic cigarettes

난 벌써 전자 담배를 피워

Been inside the last six months and I'm sick of it

지난 6개월 동안 집에 있었고 이제 질렸어

Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해, 뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

I don't wanna live my life on the internet

내 인생을 인터넷에서 살고 싶지는 않아

I just wanna go outside like a kid again

그냥 밖에 나가고 싶어, 다시 어린애가 된 것처럼

I been here the last six months and I'm sick of it

지난 6개월 동안 여기 있었고 이제 질렸어

Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해, 뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

[Verse 2]

Anxious, blankets over my head

불안해, 머리 위로 이불을 덮어

Scrolling, going on 3 a.m

스크롤을 내려, 새벽 3시가 지났어

Pass out, just to do it again, woah

기절하듯 쓰러져, 그저 똑같은 짓을 반복하기 위해서

[Pre-Chorus]

Because I wake up and check my phone

왜냐면 난 일어나서 핸드폰부터 보거든

Before I even get to take a breath

심지어 숨도 쉬기 전에 말이야

And sometimes I wonder if I need a break from it

가끔은 내가 그것에서 벗어나 쉬어야 하나 싶어

Before I break from it, I

내가 그것 때문에 부서지기 전에

[Chorus]

I don't wanna live my life on the internet

내 인생을 인터넷에서 살고 싶지는 않아

I already smoke electronic cigarettes

난 벌써 전자 담배를 피워

Been inside the last six months and I'm sick of it

지난 6개월 동안 집에 있었고 이제 질렸어

Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해, 뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

I don't wanna live my life on the internet

내 인생을 인터넷에서 살고 싶지는 않아

I just wanna go outside like a kid again

그냥 밖에 나가고 싶어, 다시 어린애가 된 것처럼

I been here the last six months and I'm sick of it

지난 6개월 동안 여기 있었고 이제 질렸어

Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해, 뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

[Bridge]

I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

I need something real, yeah, yeah

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

[Chorus]

I don't wanna live my life on the internet

내 인생을 인터넷에서 살고 싶지는 않아

I already smoke electronic cigarettes

난 벌써 전자 담배를 피워

Been inside the last six months and I'm sick of it

지난 6개월 동안 집에 있었고 이제 질렸어

Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해, 뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

I don't wanna live my life on the internet

내 인생을 인터넷에서 살고 싶지는 않아

I just wanna go outside like a kid again

그냥 밖에 나가고 싶어, 다시 어린애가 된 것처럼

I been here the last six months and I'm sick of it

지난 6개월 동안 여기 있었고 이제 질렸어

Yeah, I need something real, I need something real

뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해, 뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해

(I need something real)

(뭔가 진짜인 게 필요해)

All comments from YouTube:

@aaliyahpatel2819

3y↑96

Who else has already saved this to their playlist.... like come on it’s Ren... since when has she EVER released a bad song? <3

@aaliyahpatel2819

3y↑169

Why is she such a beautiful, talented, amazing, hardworking, queen. Like she is SO underrated! I’ve never heard an artist that can put real life emotions into a song so well and it’s this that makes Ren’s music freakin FANTASTIC. As well as her out of this world voice. She’s so young but just so amazing at the same time... I can’t deal. Claim your here before a million and you love ren so much ticket here 🥰

@noahdistler3258

3y↑2

I totally agree with you! I love artists like her! :D

@delinamartinez2069

here at 485k ✨

@JULIE-mo7hq

perfectly said.🥺✨

@tusart2436

3y↑76

Can someone just take all the people from the world and make them all listen to her songs? Waaa, It makes me sad how she is not known...

@tessaschils

3y↑166

virtual reality is not just a song, it is a cultural reset, the oxygen you breathe, it’s a lifestyle, an escape from this cruel world, its an art, the first gift you open on christmas, a hug from a loved one, everything you’ve ever wanted.

@Zonglv288

3y↑2

thats brazy

@jazlyn8046

3y↑1

Periodt

@EvGi69

3y↑8

Ok mate chill day it's not that deep, don't act like this song changed your life.

@tessaschils

3y↑1

@Mr.Superficial its literally a copy and paste trend that goes around but go off

@NickyNicest

Shutup

@DorothyOzmaLover

3y↑17

I can't stop listening to this song since I find it's some of the best music I've heard recently with its pretty vocal melody and captivating passion from the guitar & drum rhythms.

@danielpassmore1490

3y↑12

Song after song it gets better and better from you Lauren! I can’t wait to see what you next have in store!

@moonglade1393

3y↑4

been here since waves and literally since that time i was like she needs to blow up and i can't believe she's still this underrated like ffs i just want this talent to be recognised. and this song IS SO GOOD i have no words, i love how her songs are always so relatable in a way lmao, they just hit different, Ren you da best

@jillbellamy9592

3y↑2

Can't wait for her to blow up, her music is basically the coolest!

@tiffanifloyd9089

27w

Love it

@debora6929

3y↑2

Thanks for giving us such a beautiful song. The video is aesthetically perfect!

@tusart2436

3y↑55

God damn, this song is my second favourite!! U need more followers girl.

@tusart2436

3y↑7

my first favorite is I drive me mad, TOP song.

@lyriclps3729

3y↑2

@tusart great choices. Both are in my top 4, I drive me mad is in my top 2

@EllaBernardo-zh4ci

3y↑2

I love this song so much!! Like Ren is one of the most underrated artists out there, her music is amazing. I first stumbled upon her music when she relased drive me mad and I've been in love with her music ever since!! U deserve so much more recondition ily 💖

@megforshort211

3y↑6

this song is SO GOOD :) gives me chills everytime

@alien4460

i love all her songs, how is she so underrated?? the vocals and and everything is perfection.

@alishakhan6463

3y↑1

this songs just hits right at the point i cant tell in words how much i love her music even tho shes underrated she my one of the fav artists

@havannaarthur9752

Give me actual chills every time the chorus hits

@santaclaushawkeyenj3878

3y↑4

Thank you REN for the gift 🎁 of music. It was fun seeing you at the live chat! You are the BEST!

@user-bg1jz8xq6l

This is exactly how I feel nowadays and I really love all of your songs!! Thank you for making such a beautiful music

@aleia333

3y↑3

this is so friggin good omg why isnt it on the radio...

@leftfield5914

3y↑1

Because it goes against society I’d say

@jade-xo1jp

3y↑24

i'm sure lauren will never stop making so much relatable songs <3 ren if u read this, i luv u so much thank u for everything

@alexnguyen6631

Went to one of her tours which she was opening for tai verdes but dang the song was a banger definitely recommend going to one if you haven't.

@emmaatkins6173

3y↑6

She’s our little secret before the world knows her name!
This song is a masterpieces 🙌🏽

@EvGi69

3y↑9

This song is really cool and finally musicians are paying attention to VR

@Ace-qp9ef

This probably the first song that I've liked from the first listen, vocals and the beat are just amazing!

@antis0cialbutterfly

I just found this song on Spotify few days ago and now it's one of my favourite song!! 🥰🌷💗😘💖

@19sero

0:15 obrigado por tudo autoridade social graças a voces as minhas redes estao voando alto

@move9212

I have been listening to you for almost 2 years, you deserve much more, you are very quality damn!!

@adamsuchacek586

She is AWESOME! She really needs more followers.

@clqsia

I love this song so much, I’ve been listening to it everyday during class.

@art.ak7533

3y↑6

I just recently found her from her song called "I drive me mad" (honestly one of the best songs I've heard) and I literally love her. I have listened to all of her songs within a day lol

@clairevalerius5593

Same here

@shrikant487

Just found this artist from a song by The score and really i am glad i found this song this is really that counts as good music in this time where music is just considered as noise. Awesome lyrics, velvet voice and amazing video.

@heavyn4865

3y↑1

I literally love this song! So relatable

@Erika-bw8wi

3y↑9

Love this song Ren, you're so talented fucking fantastic job 😍

@dmvmeu7140

Same, i can’t get it out of my headd

@justinolszewski8536

3y↑2

Love it just wish it was longer so I could listen longer before pressing replay

@rvluvi8337

Obsessed w her music lately ❤️‍🔥

@rebeccacheung4671

i love this so much i wish i could go to a concert rn

@joeo6939

Such a good song.

@brooklynah212

3y↑1

THE LYRICS ARE AMAZING LAUREN 💗💗

@juanjurado8843

3y↑1

Esto para mi es pop rock no pop alternativo asi que esta genial que gran cantante

@abigailmelamed7274

This is so amazing! :) <3 <3

@autumng9124

they play this at my job all the time and it’s stuck in my head

@saraiadan7618

A MASTERPIECE 👏🏽👏🏽🔥

@charlineorozco

This song deserves waaaaayyy more attention.

@beepylicious

i still keep coming back to this she's so talented

@shilohbuff2698

This video has the highest view count compared to rens other music videos. To all the people who appreciate this song I heavily encourage you to listen to all of rens music and watch her music videos. They are all so fucking good, you won't regret it.

@lennonmagno2535

She deserves more 🙌❤️

@andrejohn4525

This is a really good positive song.

@Melholthamm

THIS MUSIC VIDEO IS INSANE I LOVE IT SO MUCH OMFG

@evettec815

thank you sm :)) all your songs are amazing

@tocaxboca-roadto500subs3

Love this song sm

@tirode9202

3y↑1

Quelle réalisation de dingue ! This is fucking goood💪🔥🔥

@beepylicious

she's so incredibly talented and beautiful and such a sweet & kind person :')

@beepylicious

THIS SONG IS A MASTERPIECE

@hanesto0652

literaly a masterpiece - saw her and woah, it was sick. Thank you yungblud for ur good music taste!

@music_duckhu

좋당 ♥️

@Iamkht

Omg! Am in love with song😍🖤
And your voice is just amazing 💫
Btw this song was a bit different from the rest 😶🖤

@shereencrafts746

Really love this

@em-bj4rm

3y↑2

immensely proud of you lil bean

@sandiptamahato572

This song is so amazing ! It's so underated mannnn!

@jeffschielka7845

Ren you are incredible!🌹

@tomshahar2831

3y↑1

Agreat song! Love the honesty.
The sad truth is that we all can relate to it ..

@dani-yk1bf

3y↑3

u are my person, i love u so much lauren, thanks for the song. u makes so happy and proud

@bora8023

0:02 Estava a ter problemas para destacar nas redes sociais, mas agora estou tão feliz conheci o AUTORIDADE SOCIAL e só tenho a agradecer

@judehenderson878

3y↑1

A masterpiece in more then 1 way

@saraiadan7618

GOD, YOU’RE WAY TOO DOPE, WE DON’T DESERVE YOUUU❤️😩

@kevincortez9584

Loved this song!! Greetins from Mexico! 🤠

@liv-fr9ev

YOU ARE SO TALENTED ITS INSANE 😭😭

@trevorgoodchild4603

3y↑1

Definitely a star in the making here. Ren your music has a great message as well as being superbly talented.

@randomvideosbymark8095

3y↑2

Amazing song and spectacular video along with your stunningly gorgeous voice equals AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!

@edits..by..the..chipslover2330

3y↑3

Why 30 dislikes??? You should have 0 duslikes its the best song ever!!💖 Love the Song and i hear the song for first time on snapchat✌️💗 Love this song!

@KkevinFfifer1

3y↑1

love this

@luianese

3y↑2

Your voice blows up me everytime 😭🥰❤

@noahdistler3258

Hello, It's me again, from the last post. I just wanted to say, You are an awesome artist Ren. One of my best artists. I love your music, and I am really glad I have found you. I am an incredibly huge "Chester from Linkin Park" fan. I gave so much love to him even past his death. That death changed my life forever. He suffered from depression, and he even told us that in his songs. From what I hear from the lyrics of this song, the truth is, I totally feel quite the same (well, not every part). You are not alone. I will give you the same love I gave Chester all the way to the end and beyond. I, or even we, love you. (as fans) I hope you are well and staying healthy. I guess we will see you in your next video you post. PEACE!!!! :D :)

@hannajo3920

3y↑4

It's the weirdest feeling when you reach the age that the singers you listen to are the same age as you 😳 I thought she was way older than me lol

@thesavageautomobile7906

Awesome background guitar hits different
And always dope 🔥🔥🔥🔥⚡🖤🖤🖤🖤

@rochelle6809

you will be known for sure! talented indeed.

@pip7984

I remember one day me and a few friends were on Omegle and we saw them. They told us to check out their music and I still remember :)

@theonlinething1039

LOVE IT!

@theglassofallen.

3y↑4

Wow honestly this is why I love the Alternative music

@annajgvs

I LOVE THIS MUSIC VIDEO SO MUCH

@niicooliinhoo

3y↑1

Love it that we are all here and know that you deserve a lot more followers and that you’ll blow up soon! Awesome music!

@joeleecatherine3950

the lyrics .. i didn't really pay attention to them first time around but coming back and hearing the words, shit 🥺🥺🥺🔥

@yusufcengiz5984

43w

4:01 AUTORIDADE SOCIAL É O MELHOR DE TODOS RECOMENDO

@Someone-on6hh

This is amazing, Lauren!

@beepylicious

i'm so proud of you :'))

@vulturebrain5123

This my shit... big ups to YungBlood for having her on the show, needed some new ish to listen to! Ren is fire 🔥

@jasper_antares

3y↑1

Yeah i came from from yb show

@vulturebrain5123

@Shay organic music discovery... gotta love it

@jasper_antares

3y↑1

@Vulture Brain yup i love ren now she's amazing! Ofc i still love every other artist i listen to, but ren has now been added 😂

@jasminhedger7780

Can't believe that she preformed in my school before 🥺

@deenup880

It hits really different but amazing.

@gurlwelovemusic

That guitar🔥😍love this song girll

@saraiadan7618

FIREEE🔥🔥🔥
AMAZING AS ALWAYSSSSS!!!!

@HACkeR-sq4jl

2:45 Comprei seguidores no Autoridade Social e passei a ser mais respeitado ter seguidores passa muita Autoridade . Gratidão AUTORIDADE SOCIAL

@mikeybutler4363

3y↑5

She has changed Music forever in a great way.She writes what this generation is really facing and I love that.Her music inspires me to get through my life and most importantly one of my influences to create my music project.She is one of the greatest artists of this generation and will forever continue to change it along with Billie Ellish and Melanie Martinez.She is one of the best of our era !Rock on Ren

@silverseen8300

3y↑1

This is amazing, you're underrated as hell! I hope you get the fame you deserve someday ^^

@ghostmurmurs

came from the ad of this, and damn is she good! imma check out her other songs now! <3

@kathybkn

3y↑1

This is BEAUTIFUL

@user-ed7ri1jf5s

3y↑1

@ibbenpieters6482

This is awsome , I LOVE IT

@trey3051

3y↑1

THIS IS INCREDIBLE

@thebony8803

3y↑3

Could it be anymore perfect

@havannaarthur9752

GO ON AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, THE VOICE, X FACTOR PLEASE THE WORLD NEEDS TO HEAR YOU ITS JUST WRONG HOW UNDERRATED YOU ARE!

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