Classic Country Lyrics: "Mama Tried" von Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard war Häftling in San Quentin, bevor
er Musiker wurde und viele seiner Songs erzählen
davon. "Mama Tried" ist einer von ihnen.

The first thing I remember knowing,
Was a lonesome whistle blowing,
And a young un's dream of growing up to ride;
On a freight train leaving town,
Not knowing where I'm bound,
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.
Despite all my Sunday learning,
Towards the bad, I kept on turning.
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore.

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 'cos Mama tried.

Dear old Daddy, rest his soul,
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.

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 'cos Mama tried.