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Mama Tried

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Mama Tried:The Everly Brothers.
Album - Roots - on WARNER Records
in 1968.
INTRO: E  
#1.
EThe first thing I remember Aknowin' was a 
Elonesome whistle Ablowin' and a Eyoung'un's 
dream of growing up to Bride.
On a Efreight train leavin' Atown not Eknowin' 
where I'm Abound and Eno one could change my 
Bmind but Mama Etried.
#2.
EOne and only rebel Achild from a Efamily meek 
and Amild, my EMama seemed to know what lay 
in Bstore.
In spite of Eall my Sunday Alearnin', towards 
the Ebad I kept a-Aturnin', til EMama couldn't 
Bhold me anyEmore.
CHORUS:
EAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doing Alife 
without Eparole.
No Dbmone could steer me right but Mama Btried, 
Mama tried.
Mama Etried to raise me better but her Apleading 
I Edenied.
That leaves only me to Bblame, 'cause Mama Etried.
#3.
EDear old Daddy, rest his Asoul, left my EMom a 
heavy Aload.
She Etried so very hard to fill his Bshoes.
Working Ehours without Arest, wanted Eme to have 
the Abest.
She Etried to raise me Bright, but I Erefused.
CHORUS:
EAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doing Alife 
without Eparole.
No Dbmone could steer me right but Mama Btried, 
Mama tried.
Mama Etried to raise me better but her Apleading 
I Edenied.
That leaves only me to Bblame, 'cause Mama Etried.
OUTRO: E
A sixties smash from Kraziekhat.

All chords in this song (4)

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Mama Tried

by The Everly Brothers

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Dbm

Mama Tried:The Everly Brothers.

Album - Roots - on WARNER Records

in 1968.

INTRO:

#1.

E A

The first thing I remember knowin' was a

E A E

lonesome whistle blowin' and a young'un's

dream of growing up to ride.

E A E

On a freight train leavin' town not knowin'

A E

where I'm bound and no one could change my

B E

mind but Mama tried.

#2.

E A E

One and only rebel child from a family meek

A E

and mild, my Mama seemed to know what lay

in store.

E A

In spite of all my Sunday learnin', towards

E A E

the bad I kept a-turnin', til Mama couldn't

B E

hold me anymore.

CHORUS:

E A

And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life

without parole.

Dbm B

No one could steer me right but Mama tried,

Mama tried.

E A

Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading

I denied.

B E

That leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried.

#3.

E A E

Dear old Daddy, rest his soul, left my Mom a

heavy load.

E B

She tried so very hard to fill his shoes.

E A E

Working hours without rest, wanted me to have

the best.

E B E

She tried to raise me right, but I refused.

CHORUS:

E A

And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life

without parole.

Dbm B

No one could steer me right but Mama tried,

Mama tried.

E A

Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading

I denied.

B E

That leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried.

OUTRO: E

A sixties smash from Kraziekhat.

About Mama Tried Chords by The Everly Brothers

Learn how to play Mama Tried by The Everly Brothers with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Mama Tried chords”, “Mama Tried guitar chords”, or “The Everly Brothers Mama Tried chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Mama Tried chords and for experienced players who want accurate Mama Tried lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, A, B, Dbm.

FAQ — Mama Tried by The Everly Brothers

How do I play "Mama Tried" by The Everly Brothers on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Mama Tried" by The Everly Brothers on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Mama Tried" by The Everly Brothers free?

Yes. The chords for "Mama Tried" by The Everly Brothers are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Mama Tried" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Mama Tried" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Mama Tried"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Mama Tried" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Mama Tried" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Mama Tried" by The Everly Brothers with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Everly Brothers below.

What key is "Mama Tried" in?

The chords for "Mama Tried" show the original chord names (including E, A, B, Dbm). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.