Into It

"Into It" by Chase Atlantic is a raw and introspective exploration of the dual nature of fame and the hedonistic lifestyle that often accompanies it. The song delves into the intoxicating allure of success, juxtaposed with the significant mental and emotional toll it takes. Lyrically, the track portrays a life of excess, marked by substance abuse and fleeting, shallow relationships, as a means of coping with the pressures of being in the public eye. The recurring phrase "I'm into it" serves as a paradoxical confession, admitting to the self-destructive nature of this existence while also embracing the thrill it provides. The song suggests a complex interplay of pleasure and pain, where the artists find themselves willingly caught in a cycle of destructive behavior because the highs seem to outweigh the lows. It's a candid look at the darker side of the music industry, where the glamour of the rockstar lifestyle masks underlying issues of loneliness and mental strain.

The narrative opens with a reflection on a life of constant travel and public attention, a lifestyle initially pursued for excitement but which has since transformed into a form of suffering. There's an acknowledgment of a certain innate quality that allows the protagonist to handle the pressures of fame, a life that a vast number of people would find unbearable. The immense mental strain leads to self-medication as a coping mechanism, a way to numb the overwhelming feelings. Despite the evident downside, there's a powerful, repeated admission of being deeply engrossed in this lifestyle, even finding a dark pleasure in it. The chorus is a raw confession of this complicated enjoyment, a declaration that despite the mental toll and reliance on substances, the allure is too strong to resist. There's a sense of resignation and acceptance, a feeling that this thrilling, albeit damaging, existence is something that wouldn't be traded away.

The second verse expands on this theme, adding details of a life lived on the road from a young age. This has led to a series of transient and shallow relationships, described as a revolving door of partners. The lifestyle is further painted with images of reckless behavior and substance abuse, creating a picture of glamorous volatility. A specific relationship is highlighted, one characterized by a complex co-dependency where the other person seems to dislike the lifestyle but is nonetheless reliant on the protagonist. This adds another layer to the exploration of the complicated interpersonal dynamics that arise in such a high-pressure environment. The feeling of being 'faded off the wrong things' suggests a sense of detachment and making poor choices as a result of the intoxicating world they inhabit. The song concludes by reinforcing the central paradox: a deep, almost addictive immersion in a lifestyle that is simultaneously exhilarating and self-destructive. It's a candid look at the highs and lows, the thrill and the pain, that come with living in the public eye, ultimately portraying a sense of being completely and utterly 'into it'.

"Into It" was released on January 27, 2017, as part of Chase Atlantic's self-titled debut album. The band, consisting of brothers Mitchel and Clinton Cave, and Christian Anthony, had been releasing music since 2014, initially with a more pop-rock sound. The song was created after the band signed with MDDN, the management company of the Madden brothers from Good Charlotte, in early 2016. The members of Chase Atlantic, who are all involved in the writing and production of their music, crafted "Into It" as an introduction to their evolving sound, which was shifting towards a darker, alternative R&B style influenced by artists like The Weeknd and The 1975. The song was written during a period where the band members were in their late teens and early twenties, grappling with their sudden rise to fame and the lifestyle changes that came with it. The lyrics reflect their personal experiences with the pressures and temptations of the music industry.

The rhyme scheme in "Into It" is relatively straightforward, primarily utilizing end rhymes to create a cohesive and memorable lyrical structure. The rhythm of the song is characterized by a slow, deliberate tempo that contributes to its moody and introspective atmosphere. The beat is heavily influenced by trap and R&B, with a prominent and steady drum machine pattern. The lyrical rhythm often follows the musical rhythm closely, with Mitchel Cave's vocal delivery flowing smoothly over the beat. There is an interplay between the more sung melodic lines and the more rhythmically spoken-word sections, which adds to the dynamic feel of the track. The overall rhythmic structure enhances the song's themes of being caught in a hypnotic and unrelenting cycle.

"Into It" showcases Chase Atlantic's signature blend of musical and literary techniques. Musically, the song is characterized by its dark, atmospheric production, which combines elements of R&B, pop, and rock. The use of synthesizers, a prominent bassline, and a saxophone solo by Clinton Cave creates a moody and sensual soundscape. Vocally, Mitchel Cave's delivery oscillates between smooth, airy tones and more forceful, raw emotion, effectively conveying the song's conflicting feelings of pleasure and pain. Lyrically, the song employs a confessional, narrative style, using direct and candid language to describe the artists' experiences. The repetition of the phrase "I'm into it" acts as a powerful hook and reinforces the song's central theme of being consumed by a destructive lifestyle.

"Into It" is one of Chase Atlantic's most popular songs and has played a significant role in establishing their dedicated fanbase. While it may not have achieved mainstream chart success, the song has garnered a significant following on streaming platforms and social media, particularly on TikTok, where it has been used in numerous videos. The track is a prime example of the band's signature dark-alternative R&B sound, which has influenced a wave of contemporary artists blending pop, rock, and hip-hop elements. The song's raw and honest depiction of the darker side of fame and mental health has resonated with a young audience and has become an anthem for those who identify with its themes of embracing one's own complexities and struggles. "Into It" is a staple in Chase Atlantic's live shows and remains a fan favorite, solidifying its place as a key track in their discography.

"Into It" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate the song's central themes.

• "Catching planes for the fun of it" versus fame turning to "punishment": This juxtaposition at the beginning of the song immediately sets up the central conflict between the initial excitement of fame and its eventual burdensome nature.
• "The weather's only sunny when I'm under it": This metaphor suggests that happiness is fleeting and directly tied to being in the spotlight, highlighting the superficiality and conditional nature of joy derived from fame.
• "Poppin' pills and shit": This is a direct reference to substance use as a coping mechanism for the "mental pressure" of their lifestyle, a recurring and significant theme in the song.
• Girls coming and going "between my bed sheets": This imagery symbolizes the transient and impersonal nature of relationships formed while living a nomadic, rockstar life.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Into It" is the line "I'm into it." This phrase is repeated throughout the chorus and serves as the song's central motif. Its repetition emphasizes the protagonist's deep immersion and, to some extent, acceptance of a lifestyle that is both thrilling and damaging. The phrase encapsulates the song's core paradox: acknowledging the negative aspects of fame and excess while simultaneously being irresistibly drawn to them. Another recurring motif is the mention of substance use as a coping mechanism, with lines like "This mental pressure got me poppin' pills and shit," highlighting the dark underbelly of their glamorous lives.