Mama Tried
View chords used in this chart
Capo 3
A D A D
The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
A E
And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride
A D A D
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound
A E A
No one could change my mind but Mama tried
One and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
In spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin'
'Til Mama could not hold me anymore
[Refrão] A D A
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole
F#m E
No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried
A D
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied
A E A
And that leaves only me to blame cause Mama tried
Dear ole' Daddy,rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Workin' hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right but I refused
Chorus
And that leaves only me to blamce 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 A. 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.