Mama Tried (Merle Haggard)

Lyrics

First thing I remember knowin
Was alonesome whistle blowin
And a young un's dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train leavin town
Not knowin where I's bound
Nobody could steer me right but Mama tried

One and only rebel child
From a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learnin
Toward the bad I kept on turnin
And Mama couldn't hold me any more

And I turned twenty-one in prison
Doin life without parole
No one could steer me right
Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better
But her pleadins I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame
Cause Mama tried

Dear ole 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
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
Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better
But her pleadins I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame
Cause Mama tried

And I turned twenty-one in prison
Doin life without parole
No one could steer me right
Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better
But her pleadins I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame
Cause Mama tried