Mama Tried Lyrics - Hitchhike To Rhome - Old 97's

Merle Haggard, Bluebook Music (BMI) 

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

And a young-on'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 

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] 

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 

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