Mama Tried Chords
Mama Tried by Merle Haggard is a moderately challenging guitar song played in the key of D. It uses the chords D, G, A7, Bm and A. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
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
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 D A
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, she wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right, but I refused
CHORUS