Johnny’s daddy was taking him fishing

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’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 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 keys 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 fishing