Mama Tried

Mama Tried

Mama Tried

Classic Country Jerry Garcia

Chords you’ll need to know

A A7 Bm D G

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Lyrics

First thing I remember knowing was a lonesome whistle blowing And a young ones dream of growing up to ride On a freight train leaving town not knowing where I'm bound No one could steer me right but mama tried 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 Til mama couldn't hold me anymore
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
My 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

Demo Videos

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley - Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” - Teufen, Switzerland

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley - Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” - Teufen, Switzerland

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley
Russell Moore - Mama Tried [Live at WAMU's Bluegrass Country]

Russell Moore - Mama Tried [Live at WAMU's Bluegrass Country]

Bluegrass Country Radio
"Mama Tried" written by Merle Haggard performed by John Jendzurski

"Mama Tried" written by Merle Haggard performed by John Jendzurski

AJ Lee & Blue Summit
Mama Tried-Live From Camp Wilson Creek On The Middlefork Of the Salmon River.

Mama Tried-Live From Camp Wilson Creek On The Middlefork Of the Salmon River.

Brian Band

About This Song

Mama Tried is a Merle Haggard classic from 1968 that became a bluegrass standard after the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia recorded it with Old & In the Way in 1973. The song's autobiographical story of youthful rebellion resonated deeply with the counterculture crowd and helped bridge country and bluegrass audiences.