The Undertones' song "Hard Luck" tells the story of two individuals with different perspectives on life and success. The lyrics depict a conversation between them. The first person feels frustrated because they believe that the whole world views them as useless. They mention a friend who seems to always succeed, causing them to feel even more inadequate. They haven't been reminded that they will eventually grow old and that their current situation is a result of their own actions. On the other hand, the second person mentioned in the song is portrayed as hardworking and ambitious. They have the ability to afford a car and attract attention from girls because of their financial success. They have a routine of waking up early and being productive, while the first person remains lazy, spending their time reading comic books in bed. The song implies that if the first person put in the same effort as the second person, their life might not be as disappointing. However, they continue to complain and drink their sorrows away with Venos, a reference to a popular alcoholic beverage. Overall, "Hard Luck" highlights the contrast between ambition and laziness, success and failure, and serves as a reminder that individuals' circumstances often result from their own choices and actions.
