They finally tore down that old barn along the highway It's been falling down since my mom was 17 Where she and her high school sweetheart Took their shirts off in the dark She wanted more but he kissed her And said he'd never go that far Not yet He enlisted in the Army on the day he turned 18 And don't you know he made the finest soldier you ever seen On the day he was shipping out His mama held his hand She said I wish you didn't want to go You don't have to be a man Not yet At night he dreams he'll be by her side He holds her little wallet picture so tight It was hot day in July when the phone rang She don't remember now exactly what was said All she heard was the voice inside her head There'd be no wedding day No picket fences, no wedding ring No Mrs., no baby swing No flowers all in bloom No bride's bouquet, no soldier groom The future fell before her eyes Oh no she cried, oh no Not yet We took a drive out past the farm along the highway 40 years come and gone and now that barn is too Looking out the window She smiled and she said Honey, you should love with all your heart Baby you should make that bet Cuz no matter what Someday a memory is all that you'll have left But I still remember The day that we first met And I have this flame in my heart And it hasn't gone out yet Not yet They finally tore down that old barn along the highway It's been falling down since my mom was 17