Mama Tried Lyrics
By Merle Haggard

On this Mama Tried lyrics page you'll find the words to this great classic by Merle Haggard along with my demo tutorial version of this song.

This song became Haggards 5th #1 country hit back in 1968. In spite of the great lyrics, Haggard was never sentenced to life without parole, but he did do some time in the slammer. The song won the Grammy Hall Of Fame Award in 1999.

Mama Tried - Video And Acoustic Demo

.wmv format

IPad Format coming

Full Tutorial - 8 min 53 sec

--- Start Of Mama Tried Lyrics ---

The first thing I remember knowing ... was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young uns 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

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
That leaves only me to blame 'cos Mama tried

--- End Of Lyrics for Mama Tried ---