Jack Ingram Mama Tried Lyrics

Mama Tried Lyrics

M. Haggard



The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin', 

And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride, 

On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound. 

And no one could change my mind but Mama tried. 

One and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild 

My mama seemed to to know what lay in store, 

'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin', 

'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore. 



And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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 

And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried 



Dear ole' Daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load, 

She tried so very hard to feel his shoes, 

Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best 

She tried to raise me right but I refused. 



And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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 

And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried