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written by merle haggard

Lyrics

first thing i remember knowing
was a lonesome whistle blowing
and a young gun'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 all my sunday learning
too bad i kept on turning
'til mama couldn't hold me anymore

and i turned 21 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
leaving 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

and i turned 21 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
leaving only me to blame 'cause mama tried

and i turned 21 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
leaving only me to blame 'cause mama tried

and i turned 21 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
leaving only me to blame 'cause mama tried
leaving only me to blame 'cause mama tried
leaving only me to blame 'cause mama tried