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 wanna 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