MAMA TRIED
Merle 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