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Merle haggard, bluebook music (bmi) |
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First thing i remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' |
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And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride |
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On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where i'm bound |
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And no one could change my mind, but mama tried |
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One and only rebel child, from a family meek and mild |
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Mama seemed to know what lay in store |
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'spite of all my sunday learnin', toward the bad i kept on turnin' |
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'til mama couldn't hold me anymore |
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Chorus: |
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And i turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole |
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No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried |
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Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading i denied, |
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That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried |
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Dear old daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load |
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She tried so very hard to fill his shoes |
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Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best |
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She tried to raise me right, but i refused |
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Chorus |
