Mama Tried

Merle Haggard

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  S1:
  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 

  And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried
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  S2:
  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 

  Till Mama couldn't hold me anymore
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  R1:
  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
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  S3:
  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
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  R1:
  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
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