Merle Haggard - "Mama Tried"

Intro:

E----5-5-3-3-2-2
B----3-3-3-3-3-3
G---------------
D--0------------
A---------------
E--------------- 3 times

Verse 1:

D G
The first thing I remember knowing
D G
Was that lonesome whistle blowing
D A7
And a young ens' dreams of growing up to ride
D G
On a freight train leaving town
D G
Not knowing where I'm bound
D A7 D
And no one could change my mind but Mama tried

Verse 2:

D G
One and only rebel child
D G
From a family meek and mild
D A7
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
D G
Depite all my Sunday learning
D G
Towards the bad I kept on turning
D A7 D
Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

Chorus:

D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
Bm A
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
D A7 D
That leaves only me to blame cause Mama tried

Verse 3:

D G
Dear old Daddy rest his soul
D G
Left my mom a heavy load
D A7
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
D G
Working hours without rest
D G
Wanted me to have the best
D A7 D
She tried to raise me right but I refused

Chorus:

D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
Bm A
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
D A7 D
That leaves only me to blame cause Mama tried

Chorus:

(MUTE ALL STRINGS,
KEEPING BEAT) G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
Bm A
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
D A7 D
That leaves only me to blame cause Mama tried
D A7 D
That leaves only me to blame cause Mama tried

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