MAMA TRIED 

D                          G             D                G 
The first thing I remember knowing was a lonesome whistle blowing
      D                                  A      
And a young boy's dream of growing up to ride
     D                     G        D                 G    
On a freight train leaving town not knowing where I'm bound
       D                   A              D     
And no one could change my mind but Momma Tried
 
        D          G            D               G 
One and only Rebel child from a family meek and mild
   D                                A    
My momma seemed to know what lay in store
        D             G                    D             G 
Despite all my Sunday learning towards the bad I kept on turning
     D              A       D      style='font-size:1px;color:#ffffff;'>
Till momma couldn't hold me anymorestyle='font-size:1px;color:#ffffff;'>
 
Chorus:
             D                          G            D          
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
   B7                                 A
No one could steer me right but Momma Tried Momma Tried
      D                                G       
Momma Tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
            D          A                 D                          
That leaves only me to blame cause Momma Tried
SOLO: 
D------0--3-----0--5-----0-6--5--3--0--3--5---------------------------------|
A-4--5--------5--------5------------------------5----------------------------|

              D              G            D           G        
Dear ole' daddy rest his soul left my mom a heavy load
    D                              A 
She tried so very hard to feel his shoes
        D             G           D              G          
Working hours without rest wanted me to have the best
    D                 A           D     
She tried to raise me right but I refused
 
Chorus:
             D                          G            D          
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
   B7                                 A
No one could steer me right but Momma Tried Momma Tried
      D                                G       
Momma Tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
            D          A                 D                          
That leaves only me to blame cause Momma Tried