«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.

Deborah Evans Price, of Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably, saying that the song has the listeners «crying in their beer in the dancehalls down in Texas.» Price goes on to say that once radio gets a hold of it, the song will take off.

Southern sports personality Brandon Walker included the song as his top country hit of the 1990s.

From the album Not a Moment Too Soon
B-side «Welcome to the Club»
Released March 28, 1994
Recorded 1993
Genre Country
Label Curb
Songwriter(s) Craig Martin Larry W. Johnson
Producer(s) Byron Gallimore James Stroud

Tim McGraw – Don’t Take The Girl Lyrics
ohnny’s daddy was taking him fishin’
When he was eight years old
A little girl came through the front gate holdin’ 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, 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 going to 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