Oldies Country Music

Top Oldies Country Music Hit All Time

Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried”: A Timeless Country Anthem of Redemption and Second Chances

About The Song

Song Information

  • Songwriters: Merle Haggard
  • Original release: 1968
  • Genre: Country Music
  • Notable recordings: Merle Haggard (1968), Tammy Wynette (1970), Johnny Cash (1970)

Background

“Mama Tried” is a country music classic that tells the story of a rebellious young man who defies his mother’s wishes and plans to run away to Alaska. The song was written by Merle Haggard and released by his debut album, “Haggard.”

Lyrics

The lyrics of “Mama Tried” are filled with longing and determination. The protagonist describes his love for his mother, but also his desire for independence and adventure. He expresses his fear of disappointing her, but also his belief that he can find his own happiness.

Music Videos

There have been many music videos of “Mama Tried” over the years, with the most famous versions featuring Merle Haggard (1968), Tammy Wynette (1970), and Johnny Cash (1970). Here are a few of the most popular:

READ MORE  “Two Doors Down” – Dolly Parton (1978)

Additional Information

  • “Mama Tried” has been covered by many other artists, including Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn.
  • The song has been featured in many movies and television shows, including “Thelma and Louise” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
  • “Mama Tried” is considered one of Merle Haggard’s most iconic songs. It is a classic country song about a rebellious young man who defies his mother’s wishes and dreams of a better life for himself.

I hope this information is helpful! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
The first thing I remember knowin’Was a lonesome whistle blowin’And a young un’s dream of growin’ up to rideOn a freight train leavin’ townNot knowin’ where I’m boundAnd no one could change my mind but Mama triedOne and only rebel childFrom a family, meek and mildMy Mama seemed to know what lay in storeDespite all my Sunday learnin’Towards the bad, I kept on turnin’‘Til Mama couldn’t hold me anymore
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin’ life without paroleNo one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama triedMama tried to raise me better, but her pleading, I deniedThat leaves only me to blame ’cause Mama tried
Dear old Daddy, rest his soulLeft my Mom a heavy loadShe tried so very hard to fill his shoesWorkin’ hours without restWanted me to have the bestShe tried to raise me right but I refused
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin’ life without paroleNo one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama triedMama tried to raise me better, but her pleading, I deniedThat leaves only me to blame ’cause Mama tried

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