Standard (EADGBE)

 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?

 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

 Or would you turn and turn me out?

 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

 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?

/ – – / –

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

 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?