Don't Take the Girl

Johnny's daddy was taking him fishin'

When he was eight years old

A little girl came through the front gate

Holdin' a fishing 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 fading 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 taking him fishin'

When he was eight years old