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Mama Tried

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Mama Tried
Written & performed by Merle Haggard
c 1968 Tree Publishing Co., Inc.
[Intro]
D
[Verse 1]
                D          G             D                G
The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',
      D                  G             A7
And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,
     D                     G         D                 G
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.
       D                   A7            D
And no one could change my mind but Mama tried.
[Verse 2]
        D          G            D               G
One and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild
   D              G                A7
My mama seemed to know what lay in store,
       D             G                    D             G
'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin',
     D             A7         D
'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.
[Chorus]
             D                          G               D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,
   Bm                                A7
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
                D           A7               D
And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried
[Solo]
D      G
D  A7  D
[Verse 3]
          D               G             D           G
Dear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,
    D             G                A7
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,
        D             G            D              G
Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
    D                 A7             D
She tried to raise me right but I refused.
[Chorus]
             D                          G               D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,
   Bm                                A7
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
                D           A7               D
And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

Mama Tried chords and lyrics

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

Mama Tried
Written & performed by Merle Haggard
c 1968 Tree Publishing Co., Inc.
[Intro]
D
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Solo]
D      G
D  A7  D
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]

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, G, A7, Bm.

Frequently asked questions about Mama Tried

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, G, A7, Bm). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.