Synopsis

Set against the hazy freedom of summer vacation, "Hard Knocks" follows a teenage boy trying to win over a girl who keeps him at arm's length. After he offers her a flower, she turns the gesture into a playful game of pursuit, leading him through an abandoned building and eventually to a swimming pool. The flirtation initially feels light and carefree, but the video gradually reveals a more complicated emotional dynamic beneath the couple's teasing behavior.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Hard Knocks" was the first single from NYPC's self-titled album, which followed on October 7, 2013. The single was released on August 12 of the same year.

• NYPC was the shortened name adopted by New Young Pony Club. The group had become a duo consisting of Tahita Bulmer and Andy Spence by the time of the song's release.

• The video was produced by Rokkit, with Tom Knight serving as producer.

• Underwater photography was part of the production, matching the video's prominent swimming-pool setting.

• The young performers were Arne Cunningham and Sabrina Bartlett.

• The video's visual approach was noted for combining a simple narrative with a strong summer atmosphere, styled around youthful romance and school-holiday imagery.