If I could I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes Give you courage in a world of compromise Yes, I would If I could I would teach you all the things I've never learned And I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned Yes, I would If I could I would try to shield your innocence from time But the part of life I gave you isn't mine I've watched you grow, so I could let you go If I could I would help you make it through the hungry years
And I know that I could never cry your tears But I would if I could If I live In a time and place where you don't want to be You don't have to walk along this road with me My yesterdays don't have to be your way If I knew I could try to change the world I brought you to Now there isn't that much more that I can do But I would if I could If, if I could