Merle Haggard - Mama Tried

Merle Haggard performing Mama Tried Lyrics: The first thing I remember knowing, Was a lonesome whistle blowing, And a young un’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, My Mama seemed to know what lay in store Despite my Sunday learning, Towards the bad, I kept turning ’Til Mama couldn’t hold me anymore 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, Left my Mom a heavy load, She tried so very hard to fill his shoes Working hours without rest, Wanted me to have the best She tried to raise me right but I refused 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 -- (C) 1968 Capitol Records