Enjoy, Merle Haggard – Mama Tried
Single by Merle Haggard And The Strangers
Album: Mama Tried, B-side “You’ll Never Love Me Now”
Released: July 22, 1968
Recorded: May 9, 1968
Genre: Country
Length: 2:12
Label: Capitol
Songwriter: Merle Haggard
Producer: Ken Nelson
Lyrics
The first thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young gun’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 the 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 21 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
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 21 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
Leaves only me to blame ’cause mama tried
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