Johnny's daddy was taking him fishing when he was 8 years old
A little girl came through the front gate, holding a fishing pole
His dad looked down and smiled, he 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 Thomson
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, 10 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, 5 years down the road
There's going to be a little one and she says, "It's time to go"
The doctor says, "The baby's fine but you'll have to leave"
'Cause his mommas fading fast and Johnny hit his knees
And there he rayed

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 fishing when he was 8 years old