If I Told You Now

[Verse 1]
If I told you now
That I didn't have the answers
That I didn't know the reasons
That I didn't hold the key—
If I told you now
That I couldn't say for certain
That I wouldn't break my promise
Could you bear to look at me?

[Verse 2]
If I told you now
That in spite of my persistence
And my confident demeanor
I am more and more in doubt
If I told you now
Would you smile with understanding?
Would you burn with disappointment?
Would you turn and turn me out?

[Bridge]
If I told you now
I suspect you still might say
We've gone too far to change
Or push away the tide
Would you close us down
Or would I get extra points because I tried?
If I tried

[Verse 3]
If I told you now
And I’m not about to tell you
But in case I chose to mention
Things I know you won’t allow
Would it hurt less later
If I told you now?

[Bridge]
If I told you now
That we're never really safe
From all the fires we set
Or debts we had to pay
Would you hold me now
So at least, for this, for here
I know you'd stay?
If you'd stay…

[Verse 4]
If I told you now
It would be for your protection
'Cause I'm sure I'll disappoint you
Though I can't imagine how—
Does it make me better
If I told you now?
Would you make me better
If I told you now?