Haggard Merle — Mama Tried

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The first thing I remember knowing was a lonesome whistle blowing 
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And a youngun's dream of growing up to ride 
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On a freight train leaving town  not knowing where I'm bound 
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And no one could change my mind but Mama Tried 
  
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One and only Rebel child from a family meek and mild 
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My mama seemed to know what lay in store 
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Spite all my Sunday learning with the bad I kept on turning 
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Till mama couldn't hold me anymore 
  
Chorus:
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And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole 
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No one could steer me right but Mama Tried  Mama Tried 
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Mama Tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied 
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And that leaves only me to blame cause Mama Tried 
  
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Dear ole' daddy  rest his soul left my mom a heavy load 
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She tried so very hard to feel his shoes 
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Working hours without rest  wanted me to have the best 
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She tried to raise me right but I refused 
  
Repeat chorus