Don't Take the Girl

Johnny's daddy was takin' him fishin' When he was eight years old A little girl came through the front gate Holdin' a fishin' pole His dad looked down and smiled Said, "We can't leave her behind Son, I know you don't want her to go But someday you'll change your mind" And Johnny said Take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson Take my best friend, Bo Take anybody that you want as Long as she don't go Take any boy in the world Daddy, please, don't take the girl Same old boy, same sweet girl Ten years down the road He held her tight and kissed her lips in Front of the picture show Stranger came and pulled a gun Grabbed her by the arm Said, "If you do what I tell you to, there Won't be any harm" And Johnny said Take my money, take my wallet Take my credit cards Here's the watch that my grandpa gave me Here's the key to my car Mister, give it a whirl But, please, don't take the girl Same old boy, same sweet girl Five years down the road There's gonna be a little one and she Says, "It's time to go" Doctor says, "The baby's fine But you'll have to leave 'Cause his momma's fadin' fast" and Johnny hit his knees And there he prayed Take the very breath you gave me Take the heart from my chest I'll gladly take her place if you'll let me Make this my last request Take me out of this world God, please, don't take the girl Johnny's daddy was takin' him fishin' When he was eight years old