Willie Nelson – Mama Tried (Guitar)
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Chords
As recorded by Willie Nelson
(From the 2025 Album WORKIN' MAN: WILLIE SINGS MERLE)
[Intro]
A D A D
A E A
[Verse 1]
A D First thing I remember knowin' A D Was a lonesome whistle blowin' A E And a young man's dream of growing up to ride A D So on a freight train leaving town A D Not knowing where I'm bound A E A And no one could change my mind, but mama tried
[Verse 2]
A D One and only rebel child A D From a family meek and mild A E My mama seemed to know what lay in store A D Despite my Sunday learnin' A D Towards the bad I kept turnin' A E A 'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore
[Chorus]
A D A I turned twenty-one in prison, doing life without parole F#m E No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried A D A Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied E A That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried
[Instrumental Break]
A D A D A E7
A D A D E A
[Verse 3]
A D Dear old daddy, rest his soul A D Left my mom a heavy load A E She tried so very hard to fill his shoes A D Working hours without rest A D Wanted me to have the best A E A She tried to raise me right, but I refused
[Out-Chorus]
A D A I turned twenty-one in prison, doing life without parole F#m E No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried A D A Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied E A That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried E A That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried