Mama Tried
Merle Haggard

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First thing I remember knowin' 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, not knowing where I'm bound
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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
'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin'
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

CHORUS:
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And I turned twenty-one in prison 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

Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right, but I refused

CHORUS