Mama Tried (Merle Haggard)

Mama Tried

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First thing I remember knowin'
 
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was a lonesome whistle blowin'

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And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride

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On a freight train leaving town, 

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not knowing where I'm bound

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And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried

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One and only rebel child, from a fam'ly meek and mild

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Mama seemed to know what lay in store

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'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', 

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toward the bad I kept on turnin'

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'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

CHORUS:

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And I turned twenty-one in prison 

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doing life without parole

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No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried

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Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied,

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that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried

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Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load

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She tried so very hard to fill his shoes

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Working hours without rest, she wanted me  

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to have the best

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She tried to raise me right, but I refused

CHORUS