You know that feeling when a melody gets stuck in your head, but the name of the artist is just out of reach? It’s frustrating. When people ask who sings If I Can't Have You, they usually aren't looking for one specific person. They're actually caught between two massive, era-defining hits that share the exact same title but sound nothing alike.
One is a disco-era powerhouse written by the Bee Gees. The other is a modern pop anthem from a Canadian superstar.
Depending on whether you grew up in the 1970s or the late 2010s, your brain is playing a very different track right now. Honestly, it’s one of those rare cases where two songs with the same name managed to dominate the charts decades apart. Let’s break down exactly who these artists are and why these songs keep popping up in our playlists.
The Disco Queen: Yvonne Elliman and the Bee Gees Connection
If you’re thinking of a high-energy, soulful disco track from the late 70s, the answer to who sings If I Can't Have You is Yvonne Elliman.
But here’s the kicker: she didn't write it. The song was penned by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb—the Bee Gees. At the time, the brothers were crafting the soundtrack for a little movie called Saturday Night Fever. You might have heard of it. Originally, the Bee Gees intended to record the song themselves. They even did a version of it. However, they ended up giving the track to Yvonne Elliman, who had previously worked with Eric Clapton and starred in Jesus Christ Superstar.
It was a massive move.
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Released in 1977, Elliman’s version became a cultural juggernaut. It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1978. It wasn't just a hit; it was part of the "Saturday Night Fever" phenomenon, which is basically the gold standard for movie soundtracks. If you listen to her version today, you can hear that quintessential 70s production—the driving bassline, the bright horns, and Elliman’s crisp, powerful vocals that somehow feel both vulnerable and unstoppable.
The Bee Gees eventually released their own version as a B-side, and later on various compilation albums. Their version has that signature falsetto we all associate with the brothers Gibb. If the version in your head sounds like a trio of men singing in a very high register, you’re thinking of the Bee Gees. If it’s a soaring female vocal, it’s Yvonne.
The Modern Pop Era: Shawn Mendes Takes Over
Fast forward about forty years. A whole new generation started asking who sings If I Can't Have You, and this time, the answer was Shawn Mendes.
Mendes dropped his version in May 2019. It wasn't a cover of the Yvonne Elliman song. It was a completely original track he co-wrote with Scott Harris, Teddy Geiger, and Nate Mercereau. It’s got a totally different vibe—think upbeat pop-rock with a funky guitar riff and a chorus that’s designed to be screamed in a sold-out arena.
The song was a monster success. It debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It only stayed off the top spot because Lil Nas X’s "Old Town Road" was busy breaking every record in existence at the time. Mendes has talked about the track being a "lighthearted" song that just felt right for where he was in his life.
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It’s interesting to note the lyrical differences. While the 70s version feels like a desperate disco plea, the 2019 track feels more like a frantic, modern realization of unrequited love. "I can’t write one song that’s not about you," Mendes sings. It’s relatable. It’s catchy. It’s also probably the reason why, if you ask a teenager today who sings this song, they won’t mention the Bee Gees.
Other Notable Covers and Versions
Music is a recursive loop. People love a good melody, and "If I Can't Have You" is a title that apparently attracts cover artists like moths to a flame.
- Kim Wilde: In 1993, the British pop icon Kim Wilde covered the Yvonne Elliman version. She gave it a very 90s dance-pop makeover. It was a huge hit in Europe and Australia, proving the song's DNA was strong enough to survive the transition from disco to synth-heavy club music.
- Jess Glynne: She performed a soulful, stripped-back version that highlights the desperation in the lyrics.
- Kelly Clarkson: Known for her "Kellyoke" segments, Clarkson has tackled the song with her usual vocal gymnastics, bringing a bit of rock grit to the disco classic.
Why Do These Songs Sound So Familiar?
There is something psychological about the phrase "If I Can't Have You." It’s a universal sentiment.
When you search for who sings If I Can't Have You, you’re tapping into a lineage of songwriters trying to capture the feeling of total obsession. The 1977 version is about the "magic" of a person. The 2019 version is about the inability to focus on anything else. Both songs utilize a "major key" sound to mask somewhat "minor key" emotions. They are happy-sounding songs about being miserable without someone.
That contrast is what makes them stick.
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Technically, there are other artists with songs of the same name. Meat Loaf had a track called "If I Can't Have You" on his 2010 album Hang Cool Teddy Bear. It’s a power ballad, as you’d expect from Meat Loaf, featuring Kara DioGuardi. But let’s be real: when most people are searching, they are looking for Yvonne or Shawn.
Spotting the Difference: A Quick Guide
If you're still confused about which one you’re looking for, check these specific markers:
- Does it have a disco beat? If you hear strings, a "four-on-the-floor" drum pattern, and a funky 70s guitar—it’s Yvonne Elliman (or the Bee Gees).
- Is there a snappy, modern guitar riff? If it sounds like it belongs on a 2010s radio station with a clean, percussive vocal delivery—it’s Shawn Mendes.
- Is it a woman’s voice? It’s likely Yvonne Elliman or Kim Wilde.
- Is it a guy with a high falsetto? That’s the Bee Gees version.
The Cultural Impact of the Title
It is actually kind of wild how one title can represent two completely different eras of music history. The 1970s version helped define the disco era, a time of glitter, bell-bottoms, and the rise of the mega-soundtrack. The 2019 version represents the peak of the "Spotify-era" pop song—short, punchy, and incredibly infectious.
The Bee Gees were masters of melody. They knew that a simple, repetitive hook like "If I can't have you, I don't want nobody, baby" would live forever. Shawn Mendes tapped into that same simplicity. He kept the message direct.
Actionable Steps for Music Lovers
If you've been humming this and finally have your answer, here is how to dive deeper into this rabbit hole:
- Compare the Versions: Go to your streaming platform of choice and play Yvonne Elliman’s 1977 version immediately followed by Shawn Mendes’s 2019 version. It’s a fascinating study in how pop music production evolved over 40 years.
- Check the Songwriting Credits: Look up the Bee Gees' work on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. It’s a masterclass in songwriting that goes far beyond just one track.
- Explore the "If I Can't Have You" Covers: Listen to Kim Wilde’s 1993 version to see how the 90s interpreted the 70s. It’s a fun, nostalgic trip.
- Build a "Shared Title" Playlist: Start a playlist of songs that share titles but aren't covers. "Stay" (Rihanna vs. Post Malone vs. Maurice Williams), "Creep" (Radiohead vs. TLC), and "If I Can't Have You" are great starting points.
Whether you're looking for the disco fever of the 70s or the polished pop of the late 2010s, both versions of "If I Can't Have You" earn their spot in the history books. Now you can finally put a name to the voice in your head.