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Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Merle Haggard
Vocals
Roy Nichols
Electric Guitar
Jerry Ward
Bass
Eddie Burris
Drums
James Burton
Dobro
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Merle Haggard
Songwriter
Bonnie Owens
Songwriter
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Mark Chalecki
Mastering Engineer
Ken Nelson
Producer
Lyrics
The first thing I remember knowin'
Was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a younger's dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town
Not knowin' 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 all my Sunday learnin'
Towards the bad, I kept on turnin'
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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
Workin' hours without rest
Wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right but I refused
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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
Writer(s): Merle Haggard
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