Don't Take the Girl [City Sessions]

Johnny's daddy was taking him fishing
When he was eight years old

A little girl came through the front gate
Holdin' a fishin' pole
And 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
And 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
He grabbed her by the arm
Said, if you do what I tell you to
There, there won't be any harm

And Johnny said, take my money, take my wallet
And take my credit cards
And here's a watch that my grandpa gave me
And 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
The doctor says the baby's fine
But you'll have to leave
'Cause his mama's fading fast and
Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed

Take the very breath you gave me
And 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 eight years old