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
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 takin’ him fishin’
When he was eight years old.