The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead
A cover of the Merle Haggard tune, Bob Weir takes lead vocals on a classic country song he can relate to a little bit. While Bobby didn’t turn 21 in prison, he likely felt some of what Merle did writing it, having been arrested in 1970, and dropping out of high school to join a rock & roll band.
[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
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
In spite of 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]
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
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
That leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried
Mama Tried was written by Merle Haggard.
Mama Tried was produced by Betty Cantor & The Grateful Dead.
The Grateful Dead released Mama Tried on Sun Oct 24 1971.