Mama Tried
by Merle Haggard · harmonica tab for C diatonic harmonica
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A synthesised player covers the first 40 notes, with two mistakes.
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The tab
4 = blow hole 4-4 = draw hole 4’ = bend
First thing I remember knowin'
was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train leaving town,
not knowing where I'm bound
And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried
One and only rebel child, from a fam'ly meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
'Spite of all my Sunday learnin',
toward the bad I kept on turnin'
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore
CHORUS
And I turned twenty-one in prison
doing life without parole
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied,
that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried
Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest, she wanted me
to have the best
She tried to raise me right, but I refused