Mama Tried
Merle Haggard
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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 One and only rebel child, From a family, meek and mild, My Mama seemed to know what lay in store Despite my Sunday learning, Towards the bad, I kept turning 'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore 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 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 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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Written by: Merle Haggard
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Mama Tried" is a country music song, a genre for which Merle Haggard is well known.
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Writer & PerformerMerle Haggard himself wrote and recorded the song, flexing his talents as both a singer and songwriter.
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Release DateThe song was released in July 1968 as the first single and title track from the album "Mama Tried".
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Album ReceptionThe album "Mama Tried" was exceptionally well received, becoming a top 10 hit on the country album chart.
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Song's Ranking"Mama Tried" peaked at number 1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
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Incarceration and Life ExperiencesThe song is believed to be semi-autobiographical as Haggard spent his early life in and out of correctional facilities. This influenced the lyric "I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole".
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Greatest Hits Material"Mama Tried" is one of Haggard's most covered songs and features on many of his greatest hits compilations.
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Grammy Hall of FameIn 2016, "Mama Tried" was honored by inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame for its historical, artistic and significant value.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists across genres have covered the song, including The Grateful Dead who performed it live over 300 times.
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American Recording RegistryIn 2016, the song was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry due to its cultural, historic, or artistic significance.
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Country Music Association AwardsThe song won the Country Music Association Awards for Single of the Year in 1968.
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True Reflection of LifeThe song is seen as a reflection of Haggard's early life, sharing the story of an imprisoned man who is filled with remorse because his actions caused his mother's heartache.
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Citation
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"Mama Tried Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5270441/Merle+Haggard/Mama+Tried>.
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