Mama Tried lyrics

Song information

Artist: Merle Haggard
Album: Okie From Muskogee

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
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 all my sunday learning
Towards the bad, I kept on turning
'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore

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 'cos mama tried

Instrumental break

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

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 'cos mama tried

[from http://lyrics.doheth.co.uk]

"Okie From Muskogee" album track list