"Young Hearts (The Candidate)" by Steve Harley tells the story of two young boys, Nick and another boy, who go hunting in the wilderness. They are searching for a beast that is on the run. The song describes them trudging through the snowy landscape, with a blizzard in the air. Nick encourages the younger boy to take a hit, indicating they may be under the influence of drugs. As they approach the beast on a hill, it lets out a roar, which gives both boys a chill. Nick holds out a weapon, aims, and fires, successfully killing the beast with a second shot. The lyrics convey the notion that these boys are still young and inexperienced in life, metaphorically described as "too pink in the face." However, this experience of hunting and killing the beast signifies their growth and maturation. They are searching for a place in the world, represented by a silver cup. After the kill, the boys find blood in the snow, symbolizing death in the winter. The younger boy seeks guidance from Nick on how to process this experience, and Nick suggests turning to whiskey to help numb their emotions. The afterglow of the hunt leaves them speechless, but they both acknowledge that this experience has contributed to their growth. The overall meaning of the song revolves around the theme of growing up and searching for identity and purpose. The young hearts of the boys long for a place in the world, and they want to find it now.
