Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I double-cross you
And you get mysterious mail
I've tried hard not to shock you
It's hard not to with the things I could say

[Chorus]
Tell me why don't we try
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard for ourselves?
Why don't we try
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard for ourselves?

[Verse 2]
You lock your letters in a box
And you've hidden the key
I go one better, I'm indebted
To a contact magazine

[Chorus]
Tell me why don't we try
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard for ourselves?
Why don't we try
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard for us?

[Bridge]
Everybody's got to live together
Just to find a little peace of mind there
If you give up your affairs forever
I will give up mine
But it's hard, so hard
[Verse 3]
I'm always hoping you'll be faithful
But you're not, I suppose
We've both given up smoking 'cause it's fatal
So whose matches are those?

[Chorus]
Tell me why
Don't we try
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard for ourselves?

[Post-Chorus]
We make it so hard
(It's so hard)

[Chorus]
Tell me why
Don't we try
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard?
Tell me why
Don't we try
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard for ourselves?

[Outro]
Not to break our hearts and make it so hard for ourselves
We make it so hard for ourselves
We make it so hard
So hard
We make it so hard

Get ready to be transported to the late '80s with Pet Shop Boys' hit song So Hard. This synth-pop duo has been entertaining us for four decades, and this song is just one of the many that have become an iconic part of their musical journey. In this article, we will explore the details of So Hard, from the meaning behind the lyrics to its critical reception and the creation of its music video.

About So Hard

So Hard is the lead single from the fourth studio album by Pet Shop Boys, Behaviour (1990). The song was written by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe and produced by Harold Faltermeyer, who is famously known for his work on the Beverly Hills Cop theme song, Axel F.

The song talks about "two people living together; they are totally unfaithful to each other but they both pretend they are faithful and then catch each other out." The lyrics delve deep into the topic of infidelity, exploring the tension and difficulties that come with extramarital affairs and the struggle of maintaining the facade of loyalty.

So Hard became a massive hit in Europe, reaching the top three in seven countries, including Finland, where it claimed the top spot. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at no. 4. So Hard is famous for its catchy melody, a staple characteristic of most Pet Shop Boys songs. It features prominent dance beats and sophisticated instrumental arrangements.

Critical Reception

So Hard received favorable reviews from music critics worldwide. Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "The fine first release from the upcoming Behaviour album maintains the fun and frothy disco melodrama of past efforts, while striking enough of a modern pop stance to encourage alternative and top 40 radio airplay." Similarly, a reviewer from Liverpool Echo stated, "It might be called So Hard, but the Pet Shop Boys make it all sound so easy. That’s probably why people think they’re too clever for their good. But they do make excellent pop records. This is typical Pet Shop Boys despite the change of producer: Brash disco backing, dry sophisticated singing, and a great tune."

Music & Media, the Pan-European magazine, commented, "All radio formats unite! This commercial pop single – featuring that typically inescapable chorus– is the logical choice for any sensible programmer." Nick Robinson from Music Week said, "A welcome return, this time with Harold ‘Axel F’ Faltermeyer co-producing, and a typical semi-orchestral pop song with those familiar heavy dance beats and another catchy chorus." Meanwhile, Roger Morton from NME stated that "So Hard is familiar Pet Shoppies territory, with its superior hit factory pulse, boys town keyboard slashes, and darkly tainted love-lyric."

Music Video

The music video for So Hard was directed by Eric Watson, and it was filmed in Newcastle and North Tyneside. The video shows people dancing and having fun on the streets, with Neil and Chris in the background. The black and white video co-stars Paul Gascoigne's sister Anna Gascoigne.

The filming locations included several landmarks in the region, such as the Bigg Market, Newcastle Quayside, Railway Terrace in Wallsend, Byker, Whitley Bay, and the Tyne and Wear Metro. The video captures the essence of the era, from the fashion to the city's vibrant energy, making it a perfect representation of the song.

Conclusively...

Pet Shop Boys have given us many hits over the years, but So Hard is undoubtedly one of their most iconic songs. With its catchy melody, sophisticated arrangements, and meaningful lyrics, this song has stood the test of time and remains a favorite of many music lovers worldwide. The song's critical reception and commercial success speak volumes to its quality, and the music video further adds to its charm.

If you haven't listened to So Hard yet, we recommend that you give it a listen and marvel at the mastery of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.

• Release Date: September 24, 1990
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys