Johnny's daddy was taking him fishin',
When he was eight years old.
A little girl came through the front gate,
Holding a fishing pole.

His dad looked down and smiled,
Said "we can 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 do,
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...