Mama Tried
Merle Haggard

INTRO:
D   A   D

                D          G             D                G
The first thing I remember knowing was a lonesome whistle blowing
      D                  G             A
And a youngun's dream of growing up to ride
       D                     G         D                 G
An old freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound
   D                   A              D
No one could change my mind, but mama tried

   D          G            D               G
An only rebel child from a family meek and mild
D              G                A
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
            D             G                D             G
In spite of all my Sunday learning for the bad I kept on turning
     D             A          D
Till mama couldn't hold me anymore

D                                   G            D
I turned twenty one in prison doing life without parole
Bm                                    A
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
     D                                G            D
Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
D                      A                 D
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried

D  A  D

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

D                                   G            D
I turned twenty one in prison doing life without parole
Bm                                    A
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
     D                                G            D
Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
D                      A                 D
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried

BREAK ON VERSE

D                                   G            D
I turned twenty one in prison doing life without parole
Bm                                    A
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
     D                                G            D
Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
D                      A                 D
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried
D                      A                 D
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried