Haggard Merle - Mama Tried guitar tab

Mama Tried

Merle Haggard

D G D G

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

D G A7

And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride

D G D G

On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound

D A7 D

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:

D G D

And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole

G D A7

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,

A7 D

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