Mama Tried
View chords used in this chart
Intro: D A D
D G
The first thing I remember knowin
D G
Was that lonesome whistle blowin'
D
And a youngin's dream
A
Of growin' up to ride
D G
On a freight train leavin' town
D G
Not knowin' where I was bound
D A
No one could change my mind
D
But mama tried
D G
Was the only rebel child
D G
From a family meek and mild
D
Mama seemed to know
A
What lay in store
D
In spite of all my
G
Sunday learnin'
D G
For the bad I kept on turnin'
D A D
And mama couldn't hold me anymore
D
And I turned 21 in prison
G D
Doin' life without parole
Bm
No one could steer me right
A A7
But mama tried, mama tried, mama tried
D
Mama tried to raise me better
G D
But her pleadin' I denied
A
That leaves only me to blame
D
'Cause mama tried
D A D
D G
Dear old daddy rest his soul
D G
Left my mom a heavy load
D
She tried so very hard
A
To fill his shoes
D G
Workin' hours without rest
D G
Wanted me to have the best
D A
Oh, she tried to raise me right
D
But I refused
D
And I turned 21 in prison
G D
Doin' life without parole
Bm
No one could steer me right
A A7
But mama tried, mama tried, mama tried
D
Mama tried to raise me better
G D
But her pleadin' I denied
A
That leaves only me to blame
D
'Cause mama tried
break
D
And I turned 21 in prison
G D
Doin' life without parole
Bm
No one could steer me right
A A7
But mama tried, mama tried, mama tried
D
Mama tried to raise me better
G D
But her pleadin' I denied
A
That leaves only me to blame
D
'Cause mama tried
A
That leaves only me to blame
D
'Cause mama tried
How to play Mama Tried
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.