The first thing I remember knowin` was a lonesome whistle blowin`,
And a youngun`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 Momma Tried.
One and only Rebel child from a fam`ly meek and mild
My momma seemed to to know what lay in store,
`Spite all my Sunday learnin` towards the bad I kept on turnin`,
`Til momma couldn`t hold me anymore.
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin` life without parole,
No one could steer me right but Momma Tried, Momma Tried
Momma Tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
And that leaves only me to blame, cause Momma Tried
Dear ole` daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load,
She tried so very hard to feel 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 Momma Tried, Momma Tried
Momma Tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
And that leaves only me to blame, cause Momma Tried Send "Merle Haggard Momma Tried" Ringtone to your Cell