[Verse 1]
Little shoes by the door
Tiny hands on the glass
You laugh at the rain
Then it rolls right past
I keep one eye open
When the world gets loud
Hold your name like a candle
Through the running crowd
[Pre-Chorus]
If the night leans hard
I will lean harder
If the road shakes loose
I will stand there longer
Keep your heart light
Keep your steps brave
I was made for this
To guard your day
[Chorus]
Protect the kids
Protect the kids
Hold them close, hold them close
Protect the kids
Protect the kids
Love them now, love them most
(Protect the kids)
(Protect the kids)
[Verse 2]
Crayons on the table
Sticky hands in the sink
Sleepy after supper
Bare feet to the brink
You ask, "Will you stay?"
I say, "Always near"
Every little promise
I keep it clear
[Pre-Chorus]
If the storm comes down
I will be the shelter
If they lose their way
I will bring them back to center
Keep your heart light
Keep your steps brave
I was made for this
To guard your day
[Chorus]
Protect the kids
Protect the kids
Hold them close, hold them close
Protect the kids
Protect the kids
Love them now, love them most
(Protect the kids)
(Protect the kids)
[Bridge]
Let the broken things fall
Let the false things fade
I will build a safe place
Out of time and shade
Small hands, big future
Strong and wide-eyed
I will stand at the gate
On the longest night
[Chorus]
Protect the kids
Protect the kids
Hold them close, hold them close
Protect the kids
Protect the kids
Love them now, love them most
(Protect the kids)
(Protect the kids)