If I Could

(I'd like to dedicate this next song

to all the parents and children of the world

and especially to my very own René-Charles!)

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

I'd have tried 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 mummy wants to protect you

And help my baby through the hungry years

Cause you're part of me

And if you ever ever need

Sad shoulder to cry on

I'm just someone to talk to

I'll be there I'll be there

I didn't change your world

But I would