"I Can Help" is a song written and performed by Billy Swan. Released in September 1974, the song was a big crossover smash, reaching #1 on both the BillboardHot 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.

At the end of the song, the sound of applause by a small group of people is heard. During the second take of recording the song, a small dog wandered into the recording booth and started growling and tugging on Swan's pants with its teeth as he was playing and singing. The recording session was going so well that Swan refused to stop. After the song was finished, the people in the booth all applauded that Swan managed to finish.

Two versions of the song exist:

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 Retailerchart. 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 500,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America. [1]

Elvis Presley also recorded "I Can Help" on 10 March 1975 at RCA Studio C, Hollywood, California. Elvis gave Billy the socks that he wore during the recording of his version of "I Can Help". Billy Swan worked at Graceland during the mid 1970's as a gate guard. He still has the socks.

Loretta Lynn covered the song in 1975.

A cover version was recorded by Aaron Tippin on his 1995 album Tool Box, and by Steve Kolander on his 1995 album Pieces of a Puzzle.

Ringo Starr also covered this song in his Memphis sessions in 1987. The Memphis album remains unreleased.