Mama Tried - Merle Haggard: Song Lyrics, Music Videos & Concerts

Mama Tried

520,335

Country

Mama Tried was released on January 1, 2002 by Capitol Nashville as a part of the album 20 Greatest Hits

Popular Segments

Song Details

Most Popular

Past 7 Days

00:25 - 00:30

Mama Tried was discovered most frequently at around 25 seconds into the song during the past week

00:00

00:05

00:20

00:25

00:35

00:40

00:45

01:00

01:05

01:20

01:25

01:30

01:40

01:45

01:55

02:00

00:00

02:12

OVERVIEW

LYRICS

Music Video

Music Video

Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS

Merle Haggard

Vocals

Roy Nichols

Electric Guitar

Jerry Ward

Bass Guitar

Eddie Burris

Drums

George French

Piano

Norm Hamlet

Steel Guitar

COMPOSITION & LYRICS

Merle Haggard

Songwriter

Bonnie Owens

Songwriter

PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING

Mark Chalecki

Mastering Engineer

Ken Nelson

Producer

Jim Beavers

Compilation Producer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

The first thing I remember knowing

Was a lonesome whistle blowing

And a youngin'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

[Verse 2]

The one and only rebel child

From a family meek and mild

My mama seemed to know what lay in store

In spite of all my Sunday learning

Towards the bad I kept on turning

Till mama couldn't hold me anymore

[Chorus]

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 'cause mama tried

[Verse 3]

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

[Chorus]

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 'cause mama tried

Written by: Merle Haggard

Shazam Footer

Select language:

Company

Legal

Chrome Web Store

Galaxy Store

Follow Us

© Copyright 2026 Apple Inc. and its affiliates | Supplier Responsibility

Loading...