"Like I Can" is a song by English singer Sam Smith. It was released as a digital download on December 5, 2014, as the fifth single from their first 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 reached number 9 on the UK charts, making it Smith's fifth top 10 single in the UK.
Background, composition and inspiration
On October 24, 2014, Smith shared on Twitter that they would release "Like I Can" as the fifth single from their first album, In the Lonely Hour. They wrote, "Incredibly happy to announce that my next single will be LIKE I CAN!!"
The song's main idea is about love that is not returned. The singer talks about different people who might try to win the love of their partner, but says no one will love them as much as they do.
"Like I Can" is a power pop song written in the key of G♯ minor (sheet music was originally published in G minor) with a tempo of 100 beats per minute. Smith's singing voice ranges from F4 to D6.
Commercial performance
The song "Like I Can" reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, making it Smith's fifth UK top 10 single. It was the 100th most sold song in the United Kingdom in 2014 and the 58th most sold in 2015. The song also reached number 19 in New Zealand, number 20 in Australia, and number 99 in the United States.
Music video
The music video uses black and white colors and shows Smith and a group of men at what seems to be a stag party.
Live performances
Smith performed the song on November 9, 2014, during the fifth live results show of Series 11 of The X Factor.
Covers
On 12 October 2015, Jordan Smith and Regina Love performed a duet battle by selecting a song on The Voice.
On 25 February 2016, Trent Harmon performed the song during the Top 10 round on the fifteenth season of American Idol.
On 24 October 2016, Dave Moisan sang the song during the knockout rounds on The Voice.
On 4 April 2023, Jerome Godwin III and Talia Smith performed a duet battle by selecting a song on The Voice.
Appearances in media
In mid-August 2021, the song became very popular on TikTok, appearing in over 2.4 million videos by September 25, 2021. The song had also become popular on TikTok again in May 2020.