FANTASTIC| FIRST TIME HEARING Billy Swan - I Can Help REACTION

[@SLOPPEWALL]

A fun song fact. Swan often took his medium-sized dog to his recording sessions. While Swan was recording "I Can Help," the dog became playful and started tugging at Swan's pant leg. He finished the take - and earned the applause from the band mates that is heard at the end of the released song.

[@richardkint6531]

It was a German Shepard puppy.😎

[@jethro1963]

This song somehow became my company's unofficial motto about five years ago. A couple of us would go around people saying "I got two strong arms I can help" It became a big laugh. I remember the first time I had reheard the song in about 40 years I started to laugh when it kept repeating at the end. It was like "One more time!" and it didn't seem to end.

[@jethro1963]

Funny, I don't remember the background singers.

[@quincee3376]

Thx for that tidbit. Nice.

[@BradReddekopp]

@@richardkint6531 That sure fits. 😅

[@garysatterlee9455]

I love this song by Billy Swan. Somehow, whenever I hear this one, I can't help but think about Dave Edmunds' cover of I HEAR YOU KNOCKIN'!

[@daleofficer1709]

YES!!!! I hadn’t even thought about that but you’re absolutely right! I can’t unhear the similarity now! 😂

[@innercirclemusic1]

For sure. Then I also figured Ringo Star’s voice suits this song. Early 70s vibes

[@Mr.Potato-2]

you could may be come to my house beacase he is my uncle

[@michaelnorman3393]

When i was an obnoxious teenager, my Mom, and an older sister were talking about how much they liked this song. So naturally i had to chime in my two cents, and say it was "stupid". Years later, i heard the song, and remembered my jerky behavior. Called my sister to apologize, and of course she didn't even remember lol Oh well, older now, and hopefully slightly less obnoxious. :-)

[@highpath4776]

I always took the song to be a chat-up line-s one, (with the twist if your child needs a daddy - and she hasnt got a child!)

[@sunnystormy4973]

-xD ! my kids have paws- 🐾🐱

[@bishlap]

you were correct as a teenager.

[@michaelnorman3393]

@@bishlap lol

[@DizJake]

Good one! I loved this song when I was a kid!

[@jofoster1596]

Me too

[@elebenty5709]

Mom would play this and Billy Crash Craddock's Rub It In all the time.

[@markzalubas5793]

This song needs a comeback. The sentiment is fire. Years ago I decided that I would walk into every situation with the mindset of "What can I do to help" and it has made all the difference in the world to me (and I'm hoping to others too).

[@jimflores9098]

WOW...I've kind of been doing this too...and i like it!

[@basilsage1313]

I love you two, you make me feel young , 75 year old young. I 've loved this song for years.

[@mikemiller3069]

I graduated in 1978 so, of course, I have known this song since they used to play it on the radio back in the day. The style reminds me of Ringo Starr, though.

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

You're right! Very You're Sixteen.

[@MrSteveLoucks]

You've got to love that trick ending over and over! Billy Swan was a one-hit wonder on the pop charts back in 1974 with this #1 tune. His voice always reminded me of Ringo Starr, who had quite a year in 1974. You really need to take in Ringo's Oh My My from that same year ... and Amber, be prepared to boogie with some horns!

[@michaelbest8176]

Holy shit my wife was singing every word and it was my first time hearing it. Sounds like southern rock.

[@shelley3995]

😂 funny how all the words can come right back! And yes, it does have that Southern/swamp pop sound for sure!

[@tjerwin1]

Great song with an awesome reaction. Billy Swan is an awesome talent. This song was released in 1974 I was only 14 at the time.

[@BlackHatCinephile]

I was 10. I got hooked on the song and let it repeat a bunch of times.

[@hippielady123]

I was 14

[@JOSEMunoz-tc5rq]

I was 11🙂👍

[@andreadeamon6419]

Was 7

[@traceycater]

Me too for 14!

[@ReleaseTheQuackers]

AMBER! You looked so sad that it might have been over! I always find your happy reactions so cute and funny!

[@bohem5568]

There was some music labeled as "rockabilly" This was a crossover hit of country and pop/rock.

[@ronnix23]

Another 70's artist you should listen to is Neil Sedaka. He actually started out in the 50's, but he had a lot of hits in the 70's. I think you should start with the song Bad Blood. Sir Elton John sings background vocals on that one.

[@joeyrobison6629]

Neil Sedaka wrote "Love Will Keep Us Together", which was recorded by The Captain and Tennille. At the end of the song as they were closing it out, they sang "Sedaka's back" as a tribute to his comeback in the 70s.

[@Robsan40]

Neil Sedaka's list of hit songs is a long one. "Bad Blood" is a great start.

[@janhofschulte6229]

I agree! I love the song Bad Blood!

[@elainemarsh5170]

Yes! Bad Blood!

[@LaptopLarry330]

Billy Swan has had a long music career. He wrote a song for R & B singer Clyde McPhatter in 1962, that became a hit for a record label owned by former Elvis Presley bassist Bill Black. Swan moved to Memphis to write songs for Black, but the collaboration was cut short by the untimely death of Mr. Black in 1965. Billy Swan then moved to Nashville, and wrote hit songs for a number of Country music artists, and did a lot of collaborations with Kris Kristofferson. Monument Records signed a solo record contract with Monument Records in 1972. “I Can Help” was released as a single in 1974. The single topped the Billboard Country Singles Chart, then crossed over, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. The song got A LOT of airplay on Rock radio stations at that time. Billy Swan continued to record into the 2000s. He currently works as a backup singer and session musician. Billy Swan is 81 years old.

[@LaptopLarry330]

Billy Swan signed a solo record contract with Monument Records in 1972.

[@stevencamilli9528]

His dog was nipping at his heels while they were recording this. That’s why the band started applauding and cheering when it ended then they decided to do the fun endings. On the hit single version, they cut out the false endings

[@tnels88]

One of the best songs to roller skate to when I was a kid.

[@bishlap]

There's a reason why these songs/artists are "ONE HIT WONDERS"... Nuff said.

[@funkmeyer4614]

"if your child needs a daddy, I can help...". Now, that's the mentality the USA needs. 👍

[@MichaelStoneArt]

How fun!! This great song is 50 years old, and I have NEVER heard the extended end with 2 reprises!! Awsome Sauce!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

The DJs on the radio would cut it off to move on to the traffic or commercial or next song!

[@sunnystormy4973]

-#cheers-- !-

[@sourisvoleur4854]

@@shyman99 That makes sense! I remember there being an album version and 45 version (or as we said "FM version and AM version") of a lot of songs. Many times the single version was shorter, and in at least one instance I can think of, bowdlerized.

[@Rick-tj5iq]

Elvis did a cover the next year. Felton Jarvis , Elvis producer, gave Swann the socks Elvis wore during the session.

[@chriscraft1334]

It's on the 1975 Album Today.

[@G30949545Z]

Years ago, a co-worker told me there's a humorous double-entendre in this song and I'll never hear it the same way again. The line is, "It will sure do me good to DO YOU good."

[@casey4602]

'If your child needs a daddy, I can help.' 😂 I love this song.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love this song

[@jackielouise7538]

Elvis and Billy Swan knew each other and Elvis loved this song so much that he did his own cover version of it. Although he put what is known as a 'stripper ending' on it and Billy Swan really liked it 😊

[@Dpaganfl]

Roller Skating vibes from back in the day!

[@SCUBASUEReynard]

Cher had a song called Bang Bang that I think you should hear. I’m not sure if it was before or after her breakup with Sonny.

[@neptune9]

Wow! What an amazing coincidence! This was one of the suggestions I just mailed to the Rob Squad earlier this afternoon. Great reaction! I knew they'd love it.

[@daleofficer1709]

Guys, for not being around at the time, you both pick up on so many things about the songs you react to that are absolutely spot on! Amber, you detected a country flavor, and believe it or not, this was a huge country hit as well as a huge pop hit, going all the way to #1 on both charts. It was very retro for the time it was released (late 1974), and is a great hybrid of styles, from country to rockabilly to R&B to gospel. It’s so cool how you picked up on all of that. You both have a very keen ear for music. This was one of my favorites from the entire decade of the ‘70s. I’m glad you guys like it too! ❤

[@spacecardinal]

Love you two (four). And love this song!

[@neptune9]

They didn't mention it, but I think the organ also gives it the "carnival atmosphere" that Amber seems to love so much. This is not a song that I've ever forgotten about, but I did forget the trick ending. 😁

[@magneto7930]

I was always used to the edited version that they played on the radio without the repetitive ending. I only discovered the full version after the internet came along.

[@peggysmyth6110]

Thank you for reintroducing me to " I Can Help".

[@reality1958]

Haven’t heard this song in over 40 years

[@tediousmaximus1067]

Don't know why but I always thought this was sung by Ringo of the Beatles!

[@jessicafalstein]

Sounds like Ringo.

[@jamesbyersmusic]

For years I also thought this was Ringo. Ringo actually did a version as well

[@CliffG527]

One of my favorite songs from the early 70’s!

[@davidloughridge2343]

They wore this song out at the skating rinks.

[@kimberlyward5963]

My grandmother loved loved this song. One of the few she would turn the radio up when it came on and sing along. A nice memory.

[@richardkint6531]

Funny story about this recording but SLOPPEWALL beat me to it. Fun Fact it went to number one in 1974 knocking John Lennon's "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" out of that spot on Billboard Tops 100 songs. It also went number on the country charts. 😎

[@dgraja22]

Try Paul Simon, “Love me like a rock” blend of doowop and gospel

[@endresnildal223]

I know Jay and Amber have reacted to Elvis Presley`s original version of "Don`t Be Cruel", but I definitely recommend to check out the cover version by Billy Swan. It`s a slow version and so good! I remember when I was younger my favorite cover of "Don`t Be Cruel" was the one by Cheap Trick though, which I still love today and also deserves a listen! Both cover versions stands out, so as for "Don`t Be Cruel" covers ... I can help. 😀

[@yetidodger6650]

reminds me of my mum and dads kitchen 70's in the summer and this was on the radio.

[@kimcutts6153]

Fabulous Not heard this in ages! Amazingly i remembered all the words (most of em)😊❤🎼

[@elinstar6034]

I know! Decades later, I had forgotten this song existed, but I remember all the words 😂

[@scotthurley208]

This is the first song that came on the radio I remember as a child, loving, and singing along to.

[@Robbyrool]

This always sounded like Ringo Starr to me. And the name Billy Swan reminded me of Billy Shears, aka Ringo’s alias on Sgt Pepper/With a little help from my friends. I wondered if it was Ringo using an alias. Edit: Just found out… Ringo covered it 13 years later! He probably thought Billy sounded like him too! 😊

[@chadlockhart397]

Agree. I was a little kid when this came out, about 7 or 8, but thought it was Ringo the first couple of times I heard it, probably because Photograph, Oh My My, and It Don’t Come Easy we’re released in the year & months just prior, so they were fresh in my little head. The tempo and vocals are reminiscent of the fun that Ringo put into his songs.

[@jamesbyersmusic]

For years I thought it was Ringo, and when I found out it wasn't I always thought it was a song he should have done. Sadly though, I don't much like his version.

[@twenty3enigma]

Back in the day, we loved that wonderfully twisted multiple endings thang too, Amber. We laughed our asses off just like you did. I suspect your girls will find it just as funny.

[@MichaelSmith-wb1es]

Getting close to 500k subscribers. Congratulations.

[@55itsme]

Billy Swan contributed a lot to the sound and success of Kris Kristofferson's recording career, playing and singing on most of Kristofferson's albums and in his touring band.

[@TheRokjok]

Kris and Rita gave the organ that Billy played many songs on.

[@annwooldridge5834]

This reminds me when I used to go skating in the 70s on a Saturday afternoon 😊

[@Jude_196]

Used to LOVE THIS SONG!!! I liked the jangly guitar solo and the ever-present keyboards.... HAPPY SATURDAY, YOU-GUYS!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@justinelynn9159]

Happy memory of my Aunt Dorothy’s farmhouse kitchen, it’s 1974 & she’s 50 yrs old & grooving to this song on the radio on the counter…I was 6.

[@shelq3814]

Two great 70s songs you'll love: Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Get Down" (it's a fun song) and an awesome story song, "The Night Chicago Died." Both are incredibly catchy.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Two thumbs up for these suggestions.

[@walterrutherford8321]

My family was driving across the US in 1973 and WGN radio was our constant companion across several states. Two songs were in HEAVY rotation: The Night Chicago Died, and Tell Me Good. I think to this day I could sing along with either song and not miss a note.

[@shelq3814]

@@walterrutherford8321 Did you mean to say Tell Me Something Good? 😉😊 Because that is a great song too!

[@phila3884]

Add to the quirky, catchy hits of the 70's, Oh Babe, What Would you Say?, by Hurricane Smith.

[@tim10243]

I must have been about 9 years old when this song has been a hit - I liked it then and still do

[@TerryL421]

Just love this song! Great reaction - glad you liked it. It came out in 1974 when I was 14.

[@jenniferbruce6935]

Howdeedoodee guys. I just came across you the other day and I watch you every day now. Have you ever seen our Scottish comedian Billy Connelly? So proud of him. He will crease you up. Music wise- have you heard Dimesh? Just heard one of his songs and holy teabag i was shook! But I'm more a Metallica, Tiesto, Led Zeppelin granny. Much love from me to thee from north east Scotland xx

[@rebellucy6200]

Such a nice song . Thanks for checking it out.

[@Robert-un7br]

What song was originally considered a country music song and crossed over to pop music. It reached number one on both charts.

[@dow311]

Blast from the past. Thanks, I enjoyed that song.

[@markcornish2519]

Makes me want to hear "rock me gently" by Andy kim. Check that out, it was playing on the radio around the same time

[@alleykeosheyan4779]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! His other hit, "Baby I Love You" from 1969 would be great for them to check out as well - outstanding production, gorgeous harmonies... good stuff!

[@ericfrobish1598]

This was the classic roller-skating song when I was a kid in the 70’s. Always played at the roller rink and a great song to skate to!

[@MelW123]

I wholeheartedly agree! I was 13 when it came out and I went rollerskating every Friday without miss😂

[@kenwayne96]

I like ambers reactions to this song (and ohers) she just closes her eyes and kind of smiles and bounces around. shes cute.

[@rb9628]

I never heard that ending before. The radio version cut off that part.

[@ryanhaywood6827]

Here's a 70's band Amber will dig. They HIGHLIGHT THE FLUT!!! - Firefall

[@briancaleb6503]

As a kid in the 70s when this song started playing on the radio we bought it, my mom said to my two brothers and me come on dance with her to it lol. Fun times.

[@shack8110]

1 hit wonder - this song is fire

[@elvisgrr]

Lot's of fun songs in the 70's, it was a great time listening to the radio! I think you should try out Jim Stafford- "Spiders and Snakes" The Statler Bros, "Countin Flowers" C W McCall, "Convoy"

[@deoppressoli-bear2600]

This was one of those very early 70s songs that you couldn’t quite understand why you liked it so much and you couldn’t understand why it was constantly on the radio either

[@ericanderson8886]

Absolute classic, love this song.

[@allendixon7700]

Sounds like the king Becky, big Elvis big Ava sprosley. Hey rosenberg come like yeah and sing sort of like elvis does

[@allendixon7700]

I used to be a song magnet magnet and steel

[@Folthorn]

Ian Gomm"s "Hold On" is another one from the 70's you should check out.

[@alleykeosheyan4779]

Ian Gomm? Damn, that's one from the vaults!

[@deborahdoesscrap]

I was in nursing school when this came out and I was a southern Cal girl who only listened to rock and roll and the older couple living downstairs would play this song with the volume turned up. I loved the song but never really followed his career. This brought back a lot of memories.

[@bryangriffin2093]

This is a quirky fun song to sing along with

[@drdr76]

Wow! I can't believe you did this song. I had the 45 and played it over and over when I was a kid.

[@boxinbama]

I'm having a skating rink memory. LOL

[@theowlsnestgarage]

In the old days there weren't many options for teens as far as things to do. The skating rink was one thing available in many parts of America. This sing was one that was played every night! You would skate with your favorite girl to this cruiser!

[@frankingratta8164]

Good song. You might also like Dobie Gray’s song DRIFT AWAY.

[@fijnedagnog]

thank you for feeling 15 again. Love your channel.

[@patmassey-wease5215]

😊...love this song...all the words came rite back to me...

[@chrismcdonagh688]

I heard somewhere that when Elvis wanted permission to record this song , all Billy wanted in return was a pair of Elvis's socks. Elvis is probably my all time favourite artist and I love his version, but for me Billy's is the best. I think his softer voice suits it better.

[@PatrickChachulski]

Oh wow! I never heard that extended ending before after the first applause!

[@catherinetiernan5888]

Jay your tee shirt reminded me of an excellent movie The Pelican Brief, its a great who dunnit.

[@jdw5678]

Interesting background, as I recall: Billy created this song based on a musical hypothesis -- What would U.S. '60s pop music have sounded like if the Beatles had never led a British musical invasion? Your comments that you heard both country and Beach Boys influence in the song is exactly what he intended. Good ears, y'all! Also, the radio version of the song was shorter, fading out with the first handclaps.

[@top40researcher31]

Swan wrote Clyde McPhatter's 1962 hit "Lover Please." He went on to write some popular country songs, but this was his only hit as an artist. >>

[@victorcowboywest]

Hello, Sir Jay and Lady Amber it came out in 1974 and can be heard in the first THOR movie. It always reminds me of roller skating rink. Keep giving those fun reactions 👍🏾👍🏾👊🏾👊🏾🎶🎶🎶

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

I didn't know about the Thor thing.

[@christinelegate8137]

This one was all over the radio when I was a kid. Great song choice!

[@reccaollis2972]

This was one of my daddy's favorite songs. ☺ Described him perfectly,!, Glad you came across this one.

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

LOL Bands often sweat about how to end a song. That is why many just fade. These guys wrote an ending and then decided to go out with a fade. Love it.

[@WTCWorldview]

The word you are looking for when describing this song is Rockabilly. A blend of 50s style rock n roll and country. Other artists that had some Rockabilly hits include Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, and Johnny Cash. In the 80's the Stray Cats played in that style. Speaking of the Stray Cats, the lead singer Brian Setzer started a new band in the 90's called the Brian Setzer Orchestra that blended Rockabilly with Big Band Swing Jazz. You'd love their song "Jump , Jive, and Wail." This song is not to be confused with the Cab Calloway song you did called "Jumpin Jive." The Brian Setzer song would be new to you and will make you want to get out of your chairs and dance.

[@waynewolverton636]

This song came out when I was 17 and working at my High School Radio Station, WDGC-FM Downers Grove,IL. Just west of Chicago. This Song is Timeless! It Sounds as Good Today, as it did when it came out Almost 50 Years Ago!

[@earth2kosmickitty]

Love this song too, haven't heard it in forever! Please guys react to more Harry Chapin songs. I believe his biggest, most heartfelt hit which still resonates with millions of listeners years later, is: "Cat's In The Cradle". It's beautiful, powerful, and meaningful, and I know you both will love it. Thank you and God bless y'all and family. 🙏🏽🥰

[@johnjohn37371]

Have they done "Taxi" and "Sequel"...they have so many, I may have missed them?

[@larrywilliams5014]

I have always loved this song. It has a kind of purity to it that's hard to describe.

[@phila3884]

This song was all over radio back in the day. And it was gone before we could find out who sung it.

[@jameskneubuhl9115]

This was his only hit, but they're still playing it today. Even when it was new in the '70s, it sounded like a throwback, sort of to the Elvis era, and sort of to early '60s pop thanks to that keyboard sound.

[@susanliltz3875]

Beautiful Sunday by Daniel Boone is cheerful, perks you up!! Never Ending Song Of Love by Delaney and Bonnie is too!

[@CHICHI-hi2pn]

I actually won a cruise by knowing the name of this song. Elvis also recorded this.

[@chriscraft1334]

Elvis's version is on the 1975 Album Today.

[@weylad70]

I will just say you two are my favourite reaction channel,love the way you both love all music and make us happy.❤

[@cierakitty]

Makes me want to go to the roller skating rink....they played songs like this.

[@bepvanberne8650]

Oh so long agoo bringing back memories ,love this song after all the years ❤such a nice tune I think !💞🇳🇱

[@Shabenn]

I love this song, I remember when it came out. I was little but this was one of my mom's favorites. Damn, I miss her. Good one guy's, thanks.

[@dizastro5437]

A mind-gem for those that know. Carried unconsciously.

[@johnmaynardable]

How can you not feel better after listening to this song?

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

This made me feel good watching! Thanks!

[@janethernandez724]

I remember this song! I forgot about it! It was one of my favorites when I was little to hear on the radio back then! And we never heard that additional extra bit you both got to hear at the end of the video that is so cool! I am so glad you reacted to this song! I need to and will add this to my playlist! I enjoyed this reaction! ☮ and 💕