Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Grateful Dead
Canonical path: /grateful-dead/mama-tried
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
Mama Tried
Read Mama Tried lyrics by Grateful Dead on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
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Curated by Ethan Walker
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Lyrics
Mama Tried
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The first I remember knowin' was that lonesome whistle blowin'
And a youngin's dream of growin' up to ride.
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I was bound
No one could steer me right, but mama tried.
Was the only rebel child from a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
In spite of all my Sunday learnin'
For the bad I kept on turnin' and mama couldn't hold me anymore.
And I turned 21 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 pleadin' I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame cause mama tried.
Dear old daddy rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
Oh she tried to raise me right, but I refused.
And I turned 21 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 pleadin' I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame cause mama tried.
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Who performs "Mama Tried"?
Grateful Dead performs "Mama Tried", and this lyric page sits inside the Grateful Dead catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Mama Tried"?
Yes. The related section below points to China Doll and All Over Now with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Grateful Dead?
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