If I Could

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 wouldIf 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 goIf 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 wayIf 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 couldIf 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 goIf, 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