I wish you freedom, I wish you peace
I wish you nights of stars that beckon you to sleep
I wish you heartache that leaves you more of a man?
I wish I could be there but I can't

I wish you places that sit so still
Where people never, ever change and never, ever will
I wish I could hold you and make you understand
I wish I could be there but I can't

Be good for your mama 'cause she'll need a hand to hold
And boy, she loves you more than you'll ever know
There are rhymes and there are reasons
And times when nothin' stay the same
But you know my love still remains

I wish you wisdom, I wish you years
I wish you armies to conquer all your fears
I wish you courage for all that life demands
I wish I could be there but I can't

Be good for your mama 'cause she'll need a hand to hold
Boy, she loves you more than you'll ever know
There are rhymes and there are reasons
And times when nothin' stay the same
But you know my love still remains

I wish we were together, I wish I was home
I wish there were nights where I was never alone
I know I've said it but I'll say it once again
I wish I could be there but I can't