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

how I'd try 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 that part of life I gave you isn't mine

I watched you grow so I could let you go

if, if I could

I would help you make it through those 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