Mama Tried Lyrics

Mama Tried

Merle Haggard, Bluebook Music (BMI) 
First thing I remember knowin` was a lonesome whistle blowin`
And a young-on`s dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I`m bound
And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried

One and only rebel child, from a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
`Spite of all my Sunday learnin`, toward the bad I kept on turnin`
`Til Mama couldn`t hold me anymore

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And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied,
That leaves only me to blame, `cause Mama tried

Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right, but I refused

CHORUS