If I Could
Lisa Dawn Miller Lyrics

If I could
The singer wishes they had the power to change certain aspects of their child's life.

I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes
The singer wants to prevent their child from experiencing sadness.

Give you courage in a world of compromise
The singer wishes to provide their child with bravery to face tough situations in life.

Yes, I would
The singer reiterates their desire to do everything possible to support their child.

I would teach you all the things I never learned
The singer wants to transfer all their knowledge to their child so that they can avoid making the same mistakes.

And I'd help you cross the bridges that I burned
The singer wants to help their child in situations where the singer has previously failed or suffered.

If I could
The singer repeats their earlier sentiment, wishing they could do everything in their power for their child.

I would try to shield your innocence from time
The singer wants to protect their child's innocence for as long as possible against the hardships that come with aging.

But the part of life I gave you isn't mine
The singer understands that they can't control everything in their child's life, as their child has their own experiences and path in life.

I watched you grow
The singer witnessed their child maturing.

So I could let you go
The singer understands that eventually, they will have to separate from their child as they grow and pursue their own lives.

If I would
The singer emphasizes their willingness to help their child in any way possible, even if they can't control everything.

I would help you make it through the hungry years
The singer wants to support their child during difficult times, particularly times of scarcity and struggle.

But I know that I can never cry your tears
The singer understands that they can't fully comprehend their child's pain and emotions, as everyone experiences life differently.

If, if I could
The singer continues to express their desire to provide as much help and support to their child as possible.

If I live
The singer acknowledges that they may not be able to provide the best life for their child, particularly if they live in a time or place that is difficult or dangerous.

In a time and place
The singer acknowledges that external factors, such as location and era, can impact a person's well-being.

Where you don't want to be
The singer wants their child to be happy and content with their life, even if the environment is not ideal.

You don't have to walk along this road with me
The singer recognizes that their child has their own journey and may not want to follow in the singer's footsteps.

My yesterday
The singer's past experiences and mistakes.

Won't have to be your way
The singer wants their child to be able to forge their own path in life without being hindered by the singer's past.

If I knew
The singer expresses regret for not being able to protect their child from harmful circumstances.

I'd have tried to change the world I brought you to
If given the chance, the singer would have altered the environment and circumstances that their child has been raised in, to make it a better and safer place.

Through there wasn't very much that I could do
The singer acknowledges that they may not have had the power or resources to make a significant change in their child's environment.

But I still would
Despite the limitations, the singer would still attempt to do everything in their power to support their child.

Yes, I would
The singer reaffirms their desire to help and support their child through any situation.

If I could
The singer reiterates their willingness to support their child in any possible situation.