You had big plans, I understand
You wanted more for me than you ever got from a man
Fancy dresses, big diamond rings
House full of babies and designer blue jeans
Mama I tried, Mama I tried
I cheated, and I lied
I painted up my face like a rodeo clown
And I choked on cheap perfume as I spread myself around
I strutted my stuff at every juke joint in town
Always a bridesmaid, never the bride
Mama, Mama I tried
I got so close so many times
Now I'll never get back the best years of my life
Empty proposals, all talk no show
It's gettin' too hard to keep holdin' on, now you've got to let it go
Mama I tried, Mama I tried
I cheated, and I lied
I painted up my face like a rodeo clown
And I choked on cheap perfume as I spread myself around
I strutted my stuff at every juke joint in town
Always a bridesmaid, never the bride
Mama, Mama I tried
Lord have mercy
Mama I tried, Mama I tried
I cheated, and I lied
I painted up my face like a rodeo clown
And I choked on cheap perfume as I spread myself around
I strutted my stuff at every juke joint in town
Always a bridesmaid, never the bride
Mama, Mama I tried
Goddammit, Mama I tried
