album: This Is Merle Haggard (1998)
album: Vol. 1-Twenty Hits Special Col (1995)
album: Hits (1994)
album: More Of The Best (1990)
album: Okie From Muskogee (1992)
album: 24 Greatest Hits (1995)
album: Mama Tried
album: Okie From Muskogee (Live)
album: The Best of the Best
album: For the Record - 43 Legendary Hits
album: The Ultimate Collection
album: Songs I'll Always Sing
album: In Concert
album: Live At Billy Bob's Texas
album: Lonesome Fugitive Live
album: The Lonesome Fugitive-The Merle Haggard Anthology
album: Mama Tried-Pride in What I Am
album: Down Every Road
genre:

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(Merle Haggard)

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
No-one could change my mind but mama tried.

One and only rebel child from a family, meek and mild
My Mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learning towards the bad, I kept on turning
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore.

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 'cos mama tried.

--- Instrumental ---

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 change me right but I refused.

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...

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