Mama Tried Lyrics - Okie From Muskogee - 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, 

And 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 my Sunday learning, 

Towards the bad, I kept turning 

'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore 

memory 

 byAmandaH 

,  Editor 

Country music legend Merle Haggard passed away on his 79th birthday—April 6th, 2016—after a battle with pneumonia. R.I.P to one of county's biggest… See all 

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 

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 

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