Mama Tried

Merle Haggard

[Verse 1]
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 all my Sunday learning
Towards the bad I kept on turning
'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
Well 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

[Chorus]
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

[Outro]
That leaves only me to blame 'cause mama tried

Trivia about the song Mama Tried by Bonnie "Prince" Billy

When was the song “Mama Tried” released by Bonnie "Prince" Billy?
The song Mama Tried was released in 2017, on the album “Best Troubador”.
Who composed the song “Mama Tried” by Bonnie "Prince" Billy?
The song “Mama Tried” by Bonnie "Prince" Billy was composed by Merle Haggard.

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