Merle Haggard - Mama Tried (1968 live TV performance)

Merle Haggard
(http://www.breakoutmanagement.net/booking-non-exclusive-artist/merle-haggard/)
no copyright infringement intended

I recently met with a friend from old times. I haven't seen him since the 1960's. He was by then a mix of shyness and courage (as all of us used to be), and loved singing all kind of songs. Now he looks old, naturally, while his eyes are telling the story of a life, with ups and downs, with the force to pass over bad times and go on. I'm looking at Merle Haggard now, the video I found is a live recording from the 1960's, while the image above shows a grown-up whose eyes are telling the story of a life.

The first thing I remember knowing,
Was a lonesome whistle blowing,
And a young un's dream of growing up to ride;
On a freight train leaving town,
Not knowing where I'm bound,
No-one could change my mind but Mama tried.
One and only rebel child,
From a family, meek and mild:
My Mama seemed to know what lay in store.
Despite all my Sunday learning,
Towards the bad, I kept on turning.
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore.

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 'cos Mama tried.

Dear old Daddy, rest his soul,
Left my Mom a heavy load;
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes.
Working hours without rest,
Wanted me to have the best.
She tried to raise me right but I refused.

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 'cos Mama tried.

(http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/haggard-merle/mama-tried-507.html)

(video by goldwax)

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