Like I Can
2014 single by Sam Smith
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"Like I Can" is a song by English singer Sam Smith. It was released as a digital download on 5 December 2014 as the fifth single from their debut studio album, In the Lonely Hour (2014). The song was written by Smith and Matt Prime and produced by Steve Fitzmaurice, Jimmy Napes and Mojam. It debuted and peaked at number 9 in the United Kingdom, becoming Smith's fifth UK top 10 single.
| "Like I Can" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Sam Smith | ||||
| from the album In the Lonely Hour | ||||
| Released | 5 December 2014 | |||
| Recorded | 2013 | |||
| Genre | Power pop[1] | |||
| Length | 2:47 | |||
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| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
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| Sam Smith singles chronology | ||||
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Background, composition and inspiration
On 24 October 2014, Smith announced via Twitter that they would be releasing "Like I Can" as the fifth single from their debut album In the Lonely Hour. They posted, "Incredibly happy to announce that my next single will be LIKE I CAN!!".[2]
The song's central theme can be interpreted to be about lost or unrequited love. The singer describes different types of people that may approach their love interest but emphasizes that no one will love them as deeply as the singer does.
"Like I Can" is a power pop song written in the key of G♯ minor (sheet music originally published in G minor) at 100bpm. Smith's vocals span from F4 to D6.[3]
Commercial performance
"Like I Can" peaked at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, giving Smith their fifth UK top 10 single. It was the 100th biggest-selling song of 2014 in the United Kingdom,[4] as well as the 58th biggest in 2015. It has also charted at number 19 in New Zealand, number 20 in Australia, and number 99 in the United States.
Music video
The music video is in black and white and features Smith and several men on what appears to be a stag party.[5]
Live performances
Smith performed the song on 9 November 2014, on the fifth live results show of series 11 of The X Factor.[6]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Like I Can" (Radio Mix) | 2:47 |
| 2. | "Like I Can" (Artful Remix) | 4:34 |
| 3. | "Like I Can" (Jonas Rathsman Remix) | 7:00 |
| 4. | "Like I Can" (iLL BLU Remix) | 6:30 |
Covers
On 12 October 2015, Jordan Smith and Regina Love covered as a duet battle through song choice selection in The Voice.
On 25 February 2016, Trent Harmon covered the song during the Top 10 round on the fifteenth season of American Idol.
On 24 October 2016, Dave Moisan sang this song during the knockout rounds in The Voice.
On 4 April 2023, Jerome Godwin III and Talia Smith covered as a duet battle through song choice selection in The Voice.
Appearances in media
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[57] | 5× Platinum | 350,000‡ |
| Austria (IFPI Austria)[58] | Platinum | 30,000* |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[59] | Platinum | 60,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[60] | 3× Platinum | 240,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[61] | 2× Platinum | 180,000‡ |
| Germany (BVMI)[62] | Gold | 200,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[63] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[64] | 3× Platinum | 90,000‡ |
| Norway (IFPI Norway)[65] | 2× Platinum | 120,000‡ |
| Spain (Promusicae)[66] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| Sweden (GLF)[67] | Platinum | 40,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[68] | 2× Platinum | 1,610,568[69] |
| United States (RIAA)[70] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
|
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia[71] | 5 December 2014 | Digital download |
|
| Ireland[72] | |||
| United Kingdom[73] | 7 December 2014 | ||
| Belgium[74] | 8 December 2014 | ||
| Italy[75] | 27 February 2015 | Mainstream radio | Universal |
| United States[76] | 19 May 2015 | Mainstream radio | Capitol |
| Rhythmic radio |