Mama Tried - Merle Haggard
Written by:Merle Haggard
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 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
And I turned twenty one in prion doing life without parole
No one could steer me right 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 mama tried Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
That leaves only me to blame cause Mama tried