If i could

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