sing me back home

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
And 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 'cause Mama tried


[short bridge, instrumental]




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 'cause Mama tried








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Another terrific Merle Haggard song is "Working Man Blues" -- when he sang it, where it says, "I'll drink my beer in a tavern," he'd pronounce it "tav-ren"...




It's a big job just gettin' by with nine kids and a wife
I been a workin' man dang near all my life
I'll be working long as my two hands are fit to use
I'll drink a little beer in a [tav-ren]
Sing a little bit of these working man blues




I'll keep my nose on the grindstone, work hard every day
Might get a little tired on the weekend, after I draw my pay
But I'll go back workin, come Monday morning I'm right back with the crew
Lord, Lord...
I'll drink a little beer that evening,
Sing a little bit of these working man blues




Sometimes I think about leaving, do a little bummin' around
Throw my bills out the window, catch me a train to another town
But I go back working, I gotta buy my kids a brand new pair of shoes, Lord --
Yeah drink a little beer in a tavern,
Sing a little bit of these working man blues


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{"Mama Tried" - written by Merle Haggard - Capitol - July 22, 1968.
"Working Man Blues" - written by Merle Haggard - Capitol - June 30, 1969}


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