“What Can I Do”: A Timeless Ballad of Love, Loss, and Lingering Questions
Ah, Smokie. Just the name itself conjures up a specific kind of warmth, doesn’t it? A sound that was a constant companion on the airwaves throughout the 70s and well into the 80s, their unique blend of soft rock and melodic harmonies etched into the very fabric of our musical memories. Tonight, we’re casting our minds back to a particular gem from their rich catalog, a song that, while perhaps not reaching the towering heights of some of their more celebrated hits, holds a special place in the hearts of those who truly appreciate the band’s softer, more reflective side: “What Can I Do”.
Released in 1976 as part of their highly successful album, Midnight Café, “What Can I Do” became a fan favorite, though it didn’t achieve significant chart success as a standalone single in the UK or many other major markets. Unlike their immediate smash hits like “If You Think You Know How to Love Me” (which peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in 1975) or the iconic “Living Next Door to Alice” (a number 5 hit in 1976), “What Can I Do” found its power in its poignant lyrics and the inimitable vocal delivery of Chris Norman. It was an album track that resonated deeply, slowly but surely finding its way into countless homes and car stereos, often rediscovered years later on compilation albums like “Greatest Hits” (which did reach No. 6 in the UK in 1977). Its steady, enduring popularity, particularly in certain European countries where Smokie had a phenomenal following, is a testament to its intrinsic quality, rather than immediate chart fireworks.
The story behind “What Can I Do” is less about dramatic events and more about the universal human experience of profound change and the feeling of helplessness that often accompanies it. Written by band members Chris Norman, Alan Silson, and Terry Uttley, it’s a deeply introspective piece that captures the essence of nostalgia and a yearning for a simpler past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world turned upside down: “Every dream that I dream seems to float on by, like a cloud in the wind, way up in the sky.” This opening line immediately sets a tone of wistful reflection, of watching life unfold with a sense of detachment, as if one is merely an observer rather than an active participant.
The song delves into the unsettling feeling when everything familiar has shifted. “Every move that I make seems to be the wrong way, like a cold black night after a summer day.” This imagery evokes a sense of disorientation, a loss of direction, and the stark contrast between former joy and present sorrow. The recurring plea, “What can I do? Nothing’s the same as it used to be,” is the emotional core of the song. It’s a lament, a rhetorical question born of despair, expressing the profound inability to reverse the tide of change or to recapture what has been lost.
For many of us who grew up with Smokie, this song resonates with the passage of time itself. It speaks to those moments in life when you look back and realize how much has transformed – friendships, relationships, even the very streets of your hometown. It’s about that universal ache for “the way it used to be,” a sentiment that only grows stronger with age, as the tapestry of memories lengthens and the sharp edges of youth soften into the blurred hues of the past. Chris Norman’s distinctive, gravelly voice, tinged with just the right amount of melancholic resignation, gives the lyrics an almost tangible weight, making the listener feel the yearning right alongside him.
“What Can I Do” isn’t a power ballad in the traditional sense; there’s no soaring crescendo or dramatic climax. Instead, it’s a gentle, introspective piece that relies on its heartfelt lyrics and the band’s signature harmonies to convey its message. The arrangement is understated, allowing the raw emotion of the words and Norman’s delivery to take center stage. It’s the kind of song you put on when the evening draws in, when you’re feeling reflective, perhaps with a cup of tea or a quiet drink, allowing the memories to wash over you. It’s a testament to Smokie’s versatility and their ability to craft not just catchy pop-rock anthems, but also sensitive and deeply moving ballads that truly stand the test of time, speaking volumes about the human heart without needing to shout. Its enduring appeal lies in its quiet understanding of a sentiment we all share, a wistful glance backward at a world that once was.