Saved

Mama Tried

Chords
4.81,981 votes
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
1/80
Sound:
123456789101112131415eBGDAEO1234
Step 1 / 80Position: 7
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
[Intro]
e|-D----------------------------------|--pb12(13)-----------------------|
B|-----10-----10-----8-----7-----7---|-----------13--pb5(6)---/3--/3---|
G|---7------7------7-----7-----7---7-|---------------------5--/2--/2---|
D|-0------0------0-----0-----0-------|-------------------------0---0---|
A|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------|
E|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------|
[Verse 1]
The first thing DI remember Gknowing was a Dlonesome whistle Gblowin'
And a Dyoung un's dream of growin' up to A7ride
On a Dfreight train leavin' Gtown, not Dknowin' where I'm Gbound
And no Done could change my A7mind, but Mama Dtried
[Verse 2]
One and Donly rebel Gchild, from a Dfamily meek and Gmild
My MDama seemed to know what lay in sA7tore
'Spite of Dall my Sunday Glearnin', toward the Dbad I kept on Gturnin'
'Til DMama couldn't A7hold me anyDmore
[Chorus]
And I turned tDwenty-one in prison doin' Glife without parDole
No Bmone could steer me right, but Mama A7tried, Mama tried
Mama Dtried to raise me better, but her Gpleading I denDied,
that leaves only me to A7blame, 'cause Mama Dtried
[Guitar Solo]
e|--Dpb12(13)--------------G--------------|
B|-----------13--pb5(6)-------3---3-5-3-|
G|---------------------5--2/4---4-------|
D|--------------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------|
e|-D----------------A7----------------D------------|
B|-----------------------------------pb5(6)r---|
G|-------------------------------------------5-|
D|---0-0-3-0-0-5-0-0-6-5-3-0-3-5---0-----------|
A|-4-------------------------------------------|
E|---------------------------------------------|
[Verse 3]
Dear old DDaddy, rest his sGoul, he left my Dmom a heavy lGoad
She trDied so very hard to fill his A7shoes
Workin' hoDurs without Grest, wanted Dme to have the Gbest
She Dtried to raise me A7right, but I reDfused
[Chorus]
And I turned tDwenty-one in prison doin' Glife without parDole
No Bmone could steer me right, but Mama A7tried, Mama tried
Mama Dtried to raise me better, but her Gpleading I denDied,
that leaves only me to A7blame, 'cause Mama Dtried
[Outro]
e|-D----------------------------------|--pb12(13)-----------------------|
B|-----10-----10-----8-----7-----7---|-----------13--pb5(6)---/3--/3---|
G|---7------7------7-----7-----7---7-|---------------------5--/2--/2---|
D|-0------0------0-----0-----0-------|-------------------------0---0---|
A|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------|
E|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------|
**************************
| pb Pre-bend
| r Release
| / Slide up
**************************
All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

"Mama Tried" delves into the profound pain and suffering a son's incarceration causes his mother, even as she tried everything to guide him. Though not literally autobiographical, the song's story of a rebellious youth and his mother's efforts is deeply influenced by Merle Haggard's own early life experiences. The lyrics highlight the son's acknowledgment of his mother's attempts, even as he kept "turning towards the bad." It's a poignant reflection on regret and the lasting impact of choices on those who love us most.

AI-written from these sources:Mama Tried (song) — Wikipedia ↗Merle Haggard — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About Mama Tried Chords by Merle Haggard

Learn how to play Mama Tried by Merle Haggard with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Mama Tried chords”, “Mama Tried guitar chords”, or “Merle Haggard 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 D, B, G, A, E, A7.

FAQ — Mama Tried by Merle Haggard

How do I play "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard 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 Merle Haggard free?

Yes. The chords for "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard 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 Merle Haggard with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Merle Haggard below.

What key is "Mama Tried" in?

The chords for "Mama Tried" show the original chord names (including D, B, G, A, E, A7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.