Johnny learned to shoot when he was eight His daddy hit him hard when he didn't shoot straight His daddy would be proud to know Today his son will not shoot low Johnny's gonna hit just where he aims Johnny borrowed his daddy's gun today Johnny's been through hell in twelve short years When he screams there's no one to hear "Daddy please, Oh Daddy don't- Daddy please let Mama go' He sits inside the front door and he waits Johnny borrowed his daddy's gun today Chorus And he cries like he's six years old again And he dreams that he's "daddy's little man" He reasons in his mind somewhere Someday they will meet up there In heaven daddy's always care And mama's tears will all be washed away Johnny borrowed his daddy's gun today Johnny's mama is sleeping in her room Johnny knows his dad is gonna be home soon His little hands are shaking bad He's praying "Lord, let this cup pass" But the cat's in the cradle with a 10-gauge in his hand Johnny's takin all that he can stand Repeat chorus Johnny borrowed his daddy's gun today This time the bad man will not get away