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