Mama Tried -- 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.

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.  

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.                   (sing365)

Haggard wrote this song while serving time in San Quentin prison for robbery. The song is based on his life, and how his mother tried to help him but couldn't. Haggard turned 19 in prison but 19 didn't fit in the lyrics so he changed it to 21.                      (songfacts) 

                Mother and Childfamous 
                                               painting by Klimt

         

  

                                      Piana - Mother's Love