Mamma Tried

	  		
            D          G             D                G 
First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' 
      D                   G             A7 
And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride 
     D                     G         D                 G 
On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound 
       D                   A7             D 
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 
'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin' 
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore 


D                                       G              D 
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole 
   Bm                                  A7             
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried 
     D                                 G             D 
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied, 
                       A7                 D 
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, wanted me to have the best 
She tried to raise me right, but I refused 

CHORUS