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

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