Karaoké Mama Tried Merle Haggard & The Strangers

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

And a young gun's dream of growin' up to ride

On a freight train leavin' town not knowin' 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

In spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad

I kept on turnin'

'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore

I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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

Workin' hours without rest wanted me to have the best

She tried to raise me right but I refused

I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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