Merle Haggard RIP

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 all my Sunday learning
Towards the bad I kept on turning
Till 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

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

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

Mama Tried - Merle Haggard 1968

Hands up if this song just sums up your life as you've lived it, either literally or metaphorically.

Originally posted by FMF
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 all my Sunday learning
Towards t ...[text shortened]... s up if this song just sums up your life as you've lived it, either literally or metaphorically.

Good post FMF. I saw the news today that Merle Haggard had died, and in the news article had read that 'Mama Tried' was one of his best songs. I don't know Haggard's music or songs that well, and will admit that I have avoided googling the lyrics to this particular song because I was certain that the message would probably have made me cringe a bit. How ironic that I would stumble upon it anyway in this forum.

I have shared that my Mother has passed away, and every single day since, I look to the Heavens and admit to her that I could have been a better son. My 'Mama' certainly did try.

Thanks for posting the lyrics to that particular song. I suppose I needed to read them.

Originally posted by chaney3
Good post FMF. I saw the news today that Merle Haggard had died, and in the news article had read that 'Mama Tried' was one of his best songs. I don't know Haggard's music or songs that well, and will admit that I have avoided googling the lyrics to this particular song because I was certain that the message would probably have made me cringe a bit. How i ...[text shortened]... try.

Thanks for posting the lyrics to that particular song. I suppose I needed to read them.

Speaking of where I'm bound:

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