If I Could (Ray 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 never learned. And I'd help you cross the bridges that I 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 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 dry 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, Daddy wants to protect you. And help my baby through the hungry years. 'Cause you're a part of me. And if you 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 the world. But, I would - If I could... (Spoken) "Oh, darlin'. I love ya baby."...