Don't Take The Girl

Tim McGraw

About Don't Take The Girl

"Don't Take The Girl" is a song written by Craig Martin and Larry W. Johnson, and recorded by American country music artist Tim McGraw. It was released in March 1994 as the second single from his album Not a Moment Too Soon. The song was McGraw's fifth single overall, and his first number-one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. It reached number one on the Canadian country charts as well and it was also a successful pop song, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.


Year:
1994
4:09
557 
#3

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

Little girl came through the front gate
Holdin' a fishin' 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 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 taking him fishin'
When he was eight years old

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Tim McGraw

Samuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw (born May 1, 1967) is an American country singer and actor. Many of McGraw's albums and singles have topped the country music charts with total album sales in excess of 40 million units in the US, making him the eighth best-selling artist, and the third best-selling country singer, in the Soundscan era. He is married to country singer Faith Hill and is the son of former baseball player Tug McGraw. more »

20 fans

Written by: Larry Johnson, Craig Martin

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Don't Take The Girl" is a country song by Tim McGraw. It was released on March 28, 1994, as the second single from his second studio album "Not A Moment Too Soon."
Chart Performance
The song was a commercial success. It became Tim McGraw's first number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart where it stayed for two weeks.
Songwriters and Production
The song was written by Craig Martin and Larry W. Johnson. The music production was handled by Byron Gallimore and James Stroud.
Song Story
The lyrics of "Don't Take the Girl" tell a story in three verses, each ten years apart, about a boy named Johnny whose love interest is a girl named Mary. He initially does not want her to join him and his dad on a fishing trip (narrative of childhood), then he begs a robber not to harm her (teenage narrative), and finally, he prays to God not to take her away when she is giving birth (adult narrative).
Music Video
The music video, directed by Julian Chojnacki, was released in 1994. It chronicles the events of the song through flashbacks, as a grown-up Johnny remembers his past with Mary.
Impact and Recognition
This song was critically acclaimed and Tim McGraw received praise for his emotional delivery. According to Billboard, the song "helped cement McGraw's image as a ruggedly sensitive country heartthrob".
Cover Versions and Performances
Several artists have covered the song since its original release. Melinda Schneider and Beccy Cole recorded a version for their collaborative album "Great Women of Country" 2014.
Song Interpretation
"Don't Take The Girl" is seen as an example of the "bro-country" sub-genre, featuring storylines and lyrics focused on young, attractive, and rural people experiencing typical human scenarios.
Certifications and Sales
The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA, indicating sales of over a million copies in the United States.
Legacy
Despite being released in the 1990s, the song continues to be one of Tim McGraw's most popular and recognizable songs, with live performances still earning ovations from audiences.

Discuss the Don't Take The Girl Lyrics with the community:

1 Comment
  • Lisa Kelley
    Lisa Kelley
    wow love this song
    LikeReply6 years ago

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"Don't Take The Girl Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30948999/Tim+McGraw/Don%27t+Take+The+Girl>.

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Don't Take The Girl

4.1M
32,376     1,258

Top Hot 100 Songs 1994

Billboard #17


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