if i could lyrics

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