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