I Can Help

"I Can Help" is a song written^[2] and performed by Billy Swan. Released in September 1974, the song was a big crossover smash, reaching #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Singles charts late that fall.

Although Swan had other charting singles on both the Hot 100 and country charts, the song is generally recognized as being Swan's only major hit single release. However, Swan — later a member of the band Black Tie — had continued success as a songwriter for other artists and as a session musician.

Song history

Two versions of the song exist:

• In the album version, applause can be heard as the final note is held for several seconds. The song ends with a reprise of the final musical bridge and more applause. However, it still does not end there; Swan plays still another reprise of the final musical bridge as the song fades out.
• The single edit immediately fades out after the aforementioned applause begins.

Chart success

In addition to being a No. 1 country and pop hit, "I Can Help" reached No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Adult Contemporary Singles chart and No. 6 on the United Kingdom's Record Retailer chart. In addition, the song was a hit throughout most of Europe and also reached #1 in Australia.

"I Can Help" is certified gold for sales of 1,000,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America. [1] In U.K., it has "Silver" certification, and in France, it has sales about 700,000.

Chart positions

Year-End Chart

References