Goapele - If We Knew Lyrics

There was boy 'bout two years old
That's much too young too see what would unfold
His dad so bold, so full of lies
Caught up in things that would take his life

He'd leave behind old words unsaid
His loved ones left to deal with it
When his boy got older with less than enough guidance
Needed more assurance, a little strength and courage

But if he knew what he knows now
He may be with us still
If he knew what he knows now, oh

There was girl 'bout three years old
To laugh and play should have been what goes
Her family moved from place to place
Free spirits and money they couldn't waste

She'd be alone more times than few
Too many men trusted and out of view
One took her in and used his mind
Scarred her inside and changed her life

So when she had daughters of her own
Her memories could no longer escape her
They affected all the choices that she would make

But if she knew what she knows now
She wouldn't take the blame
If she knew what she knows now

I was the girl who felt so strong
'Bout anything in this world when I saw wrong
I analyze, sometimes cry alone
When it got too much I had a place to turn

I wish that I could heal your pain
Capture the truth, secrets filled with shame, oh

'Cuz if you want I'll tell the world
All the things you couldn't say
And hope that you can find your way

'Cuz I know what I know now
I was preparing for today
If we knew what we know now
We could have made a better day

If we knew what we know now
We'd know there was a different way
If we knew what we know now

But we all learn by example
We can become our worst fear
Certain lessons we should hold on
Some don't serve us anymore

Our parents raised us how they knew how
They didn't know a better way
I just try as hard you could
Don't wanna make the same mistake

Hope that you can find your way
Hope that you can find your way