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 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 could
never cry your tears
But I would

If I could
yes, 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 would try to change the
world I brought you to
And there isn't very much that I could do
But I would

If I could
Oh baby
I just want to protect you
And help my baby through the hungry years
'Cause you're part of me
And if you ever ever ever need
I said a shoulder to cry on