Mama Tried

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Mama Tried chords *
Grateful Dead 1971 Skulls and Roses (Merle Haggard)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mama_Tried_(song)
[Intro]
D A D
[Verse 1|
D G
The first thing I remember knowin
D G
Was that lonesome whistle blowin'
D
And a youngin's dream
G A
Of growin' up to ride
D G
On a freight train leavin' town
D G
Not knowin' where I was bound
D A
No one could change my mind
D G D
But mama tried
[Verse 2]
D G
One and only rebel child
D G
From a family meek and mild
D G
Mama seemed to know
A
What lay in store
D
In spite of all my
G
Sunday learnin'
D G
For the bad I kept on turnin'
D A D G D
And mama couldn't hold me anymore
[Chorus]
D
And I turned 21 in prison
C D
Doin' life without parole
Bm
No one could steer me right
A A7
But mama tried, mama tried
D
Mama tried to raise me better
G D
But her pleadings I denied
A
That leaves only me to blame
D
'Cause mama tried
[Interlude]
D A D
[Verse 3]
D G
Dear old daddy rest his soul
D G
Left my mom a heavy load
D G
She tried so very hard
A
To fill his shoes
D G
Workin' hours without rest
D G
Wanted me to have the best
D A
Oh, she tried to raise me right
D G D
But I refused
[Chorus]
D
And I turned 21 in prison
C D
Doin' life without parole
Bm
No one could steer me right
A A7
But mama tried, mama tried
D
Mama tried to raise me better
G D
But her pleadin' I denied
A
That leaves only me to blame
D G D
'Cause mama tried
[Solo]
D G
D G
D G A
D G
D G
D A D G D
[Chorus]
D
And I turned 21 in prison
C D
Doin' life without parole
Bm
No one could steer me right
A A7
But mama tried, mama tried
D
Mama tried to raise me better
G D
But her pleadin' I denied
A
That leaves only me to blame
D G D
'Cause mama tried
[Outro]
A
That leaves only me to blame
D
'Cause mama tried
* Alternate:
Capo II
D C
=
G F
=
A G
=
Bm Am
=
A7 G7
=
Set8

Mama Tried chords and lyrics

Free chords for Mama Tried by Grateful Dead. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Mama Tried chords *
Grateful Dead  1971 Skulls and Roses (Merle Haggard)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mama_Tried_(song)
[Intro]
D A D
[Verse 1|
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Interlude]
D A D
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
[Solo]
D G
D G
D G A
D G
D G
D A D G D
[Chorus]
[Outro]
* Alternate:
Capo II
D  = C
G  = F
A  = G
Bm = Am
A7 = G7
Set8

Mama Tried Chords by Grateful Dead

Learn how to play Mama Tried by Grateful Dead with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Mama Tried chords”, “Mama Tried guitar chords”, or “Grateful Dead 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, A, G, C, Bm, A7.

Frequently asked questions about Mama Tried

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

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Is "Mama Tried" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Mama Tried" in?

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