* * * * * please forgive me but this had been posted wrong and i corrected a couple of mistakes . * * * * *

mama tried
merle haggard

D G D G
first thing i remember knowin’ was a lonesome whistle blowin’
D G A7
and a young – on’s dream of growing up to ride
D G D G
on a freight train leaving town , not knowing where i’m bound
D A7 D
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
’spite of all my sunday learnin’ , toward the bad i kept on turnin’
’til mama couldn’t hold me anymore

chorus :
D G D
and i turned twenty – one in prison doing life without parole
Bm A7
no one could steer me right , but mama tried , mama tried
D G D
mama tried to raise me better , but her pleading i denied ,
A7 D
that leaves only me to blame , ’cause mama tried

dear old Daddy rest his soul , he 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