This version of Mama Tried was released by Grateful Dead in 1971.
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The first I remember knowin’ was that lonesome whistle blowin’
And a youngin’s dream of growin’ up to ride.
On a freight train leavin’ town, not knowin’ where I was bound
No one could steer me right, but mama tried.
Was the only rebel child from a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
In spite of all my Sunday learnin’
For the bad I kept on turnin’ and mama couldn’t hold me anymore.
And I turned 21 in prison, doin’ life without parole
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleadin’ I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame cause mama tried.
Dear old daddy rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Workin’ hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
Oh she tried to raise me right, but I refused.
And I turned 21 in prison, doin’ life without parole
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleadin’ I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame cause mama tried.
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About Lyrics and Mama Tried by Grateful Dead
The lyrics for Mama Tried are defined as the words making up the song released by Grateful Dead in 1971. It also includes the verses and words used by the background chorus in the song. Like many hit songs, the lyrics to Mama Tried have different meanings to different people. While it is clear in some of the lyrics what the artist is trying to really say, only Grateful Dead and those working with them know all of the meanings behind all of the lyrics to their songs. Some folks are interested in word and phrase etymology. It is easy to understand the lyrics to Mama Tried by Grateful Dead if you think through it.
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