KSI’s latest hit, “Thick Of It,” has captured the attention of fans worldwide, blending introspection, triumph, and resilience into a standout lyrical package. Collaborating with Trippie Redd, KSI delivers a song that dives deep into his personal struggles, professional achievements, and powerful ambition—a reflection of the turbulent yet triumphant trajectory of his life so far.
But beyond its infectious beats and memorable chorus, “Thick Of It” is a multi-layered anthem. It reveals the emotional grip of being in the thick of challenges, the highs and lows of fame, and a relentless pursuit of success. What does this track really mean? We’re breaking it down verse by verse to uncover the powerful message behind the lyrics of “Thick Of It.”
What Does “Thick Of It” Mean?
The phrase “in the thick of it” refers to being deeply immersed in difficult or intense situations. For KSI, this symbolizes his position in life and career—navigating the chaos of fame, challenges, and the grind for success. The song’s title sets the tone for a raw and honest exploration of what it means to persevere when life feels overwhelming.
The track ultimately serves as both an acknowledgment and a triumph. KSI declares that he is not merely surviving the thick of it—he’s thriving in it, channeling the chaos into personal growth and achievements.
The Meaning of “Thick Of It” by KSI
“The Thick Of It” by KSI reflects the emotional weight and complexity of navigating life’s struggles while striving for growth. Through introspective lyrics and a compelling melody, KSI explores themes of perseverance, self-reflection, and resilience, resonating with listeners who face their own battles. The song captures the intensity of being immersed in challenging moments—the “thick of it”—where emotions run high, and decisions feel critical. With raw authenticity, KSI lays bare his vulnerabilities, striking a chord with fans and showcasing his evolution as an artist unafraid to confront life’s deeper truths.
Intro & Chorus: Hardened by the Cold
Lyrics:
“I’m in the thick of it, everybody knows
They know me where it snows, I skied in and they froze
I don’t know no nothin’ ’bout no ice, I’m just cold
Forty somethin’ milli’ subs or so, I’ve been told”
The chorus immediately establishes a clear metaphor around “the snow” and “cold.” KSI uses the chilling imagery to signify the unrelenting difficulties he has faced. Yet he flips this on its head—he is not phased by the “ice” or coldness of life. Instead, he claims it as part of his identity, reflecting his resilience (“I’m just cold”).
KSI also highlights his monumental achievements—forty million YouTube subscribers—while acknowledging how surreal his success feels. Amid the recognition, there’s a humbling undertone; fame is not without its challenges, and becoming “cold” was a necessary transformation.
Verse 1: Reborn Through Adversity
Lyrics:
“I’m in my prime, and this ain’t even final form
They knocked me down, but still, my feet, they find the floor
I went from living rooms straight out to sold-out tours
Life’s a fight, but trust, I’m ready for the war”
KSI takes listeners on a trip through his evolution, referencing his rise from humble beginnings (“living rooms”) to performing on sold-out tours. This verse is steeped in themes of resilience—every time he’s knocked off his feet, he manages to stand back up.
The “final form” analogy—a nod to anime culture—suggests that KSI is far from finished growing. His current success might be significant, but it’s just the beginning of an upward trajectory. This verse delivers a motivating message about transformation through perseverance, resonating deeply with fans who have followed his varied career as a musician, boxer, and YouTube creator.
Pre-Chorus & Repetition of Resilience
The pre-chorus serves as a pause for reflection, carrying the idea that life inevitably throws unexpected challenges.
Lyrics:
*”Woah-oh-oh
This is how the story goes
Woah-oh-oh
I guess this is how the story goes”*
KSI embraces the unpredictability of his journey. There’s a sense of surrender—not to adversity, but to the acceptance that chaos is an intrinsic part of life. This relaxed acknowledgment balances the otherwise ambitious tone of the song.
Verse 2: Multidimensional Success
Lyrics:
*”From the screen to the ring, to the pen, to the king
Where’s my crown? That’s my bling, always drama when I ring
See, I believe that if I see it in my heart
Smash through the ceiling ’cause I’m reaching for the stars”*
This verse underscores KSI’s multifaceted career—from dominating YouTube (“the screen”) to boxing success (“the ring”) and venturing into music (“the pen”). He positions himself as a “king,” boldly claiming his accomplishments.
Yet, this is not a superficial brag. KSI credits his relentless ambition (“smash through the ceiling”) and belief in himself as critical forces behind his success. For those striving to reach their own goals, this verse serves as a rallying cry—visualize your dreams and never fear failure.
Verse 3 (Trippie Redd’s Contribution): A Faith-Driven Path
Lyrics:
*”Highway to heaven, I’m just cruisin’ by my lone’
They cast me out, left me for dead, them people cold
My faith in God, mind in the sun, I’m ’bout to sow
My life is hard, I took the wheel, I cracked the code”*
Entering with a reflective tone, Trippie Redd builds on KSI’s themes of personal struggles and determination. This verse introduces spirituality, with mentions of faith and the concept of sowing effort to reap future rewards.
The metaphor “cracked the code” paints an image of resilience and resourcefulness. Trippie doesn’t just survive his hardships—he learns from them, gaining the wisdom that propels him forward. Together, Trippie and KSI highlight individual growth as an overarching theme of the track.
Symbolism in the Collaboration
By bringing in Trippie Redd, KSI amplifies the emotional depth of “Thick Of It.” While KSI’s verses focus on ambition and overcoming personal challenges, Trippie’s feature leans into introspection and faith. This juxtaposition enriches the song’s narrative, making it relatable to listeners from diverse backgrounds.
An Anthem for Growth and Perseverance
At its core, “Thick Of It” is an anthem for perseverance. Both KSI and Trippie Redd share pivotal life lessons through their lyrics—stay focused on your vision, weather the storms, and believe in yourself even when others doubt you.
This song appeals not just to fans of KSI’s music, but also to anyone who has fought through obstacles to emerge stronger. It’s an inspiring reminder that the “thick of it” doesn’t last forever, and there’s always a way forward.
Lessons from “Thick Of It”
The song resonates with listeners due to its universal themes of resilience and self-belief, but it also conveys three key takeaways anyone can apply to their own lives:
- Fame Doesn’t Erase Struggle
Even with 40 million subscribers, KSI reminds us that challenges persist at every level. Success isn’t about avoiding hard times—it’s about thriving within them.
- Stay True to Your Multifaceted Self
KSI embraces every side of his identity—from YouTuber to musician to boxer. He encourages listeners to chase every dream, no matter how diverse they might seem.
- The Power of Faith and Vision
Together, KSI and Trippie Redd emphasize the importance of believing in yourself and staying faithful to your goals, even when the world feels icy and harsh.
The Story Goes On
With “Thick Of It,” KSI solidifies his place in the music industry as an artist who can seamlessly blend personal struggles and celebratory triumphs into a single track. The song is more than lyrics—it’s a call to keep moving, no matter how deep life’s challenges feel.
If you haven’t already, put on your headphones, hit play on “Thick Of It,” and let it soundtrack your own moments of perseverance.