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
     But I know that I can 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 yesterday
Won't have to be your way

If I knew
I'd have tried to change the world I brought you to
    And there isn't very much that I can do
But I would
If I could

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
   But I know that I can never cry your tears
But I would

If I could
Yes I would
 Yes I would
If I could