First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young-un's dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train out of town, not knowing where I'm bound
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried
One and only rebel child, from a family meek and mild
My Mama seemed to know what lay in store
Depite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin'
'Til my 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
Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left ma 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 steer me right, but I refused
CHORUS
Mama Tried was written by Merle Haggard.
Mama Tried was produced by Alan Wooley.
Old 97's released Mama Tried on Sat Nov 01 1997.