Merle haggard, bluebook music (bmi)

First thing i remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'

And a young-on'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

Mama seemed to know what lay in store

'spite of all my sunday learnin', toward the bad i kept on turnin'

'til mama couldn't hold me anymore



Chorus:

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, he left my mom a heavy load

She tried so very hard to fill his shoes

Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best

She tried to raise me right, but i refused



Chorus






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