Without the benefit of time
I see you as perfect
Without the benefit of time
You have no flaw
Your face has never held a single blemish
Your word has never failed to stir something in me
Your hand has never struck a thing in anger
And I can’t imagine you another way

Without the benefit of time
I cannot love you
Without the benefit of time
You’re only impressive
I’ve never seen you cry or fall or fail
I’ve never seen you close to giving up
I’ve never seen you question your own courage
And then decide to go on anyway

Without the benefit of time
I see you as perfect
Without the benefit of time
I cannot love you
Perfect, perfect, perfect thing
In my memory
But if you’re gonna want to stay perfect, perfect
I cannot love you
Ah–

Without the benefit of time
You are unchanging
Without the benefit of time
You’re just a snapshot
I do not see what you might be
I do not see what you were
I just see what you are
Perfectly unloved
Without the benefit of time

(lyrics: Dan Bern)