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
or just someone to talk to
I'll be there, I'll be there
I didn't change your world
but I would
if I could