MERLE HAGGARD sings "Mama Tried" To His Mama

A magic moment in California. Merle Haggard sings the classic "Mama tried" to his Mom.
"Mama Tried" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in July 1968 as the first single and title track from the album Mama Tried. The song became one of the cornerstone songs of his career. It won the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999, and was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry due to its "cultural, historic, or artistic significance" on March 23, 2016, just 14 days before Haggard's death.
In "Mama Tried", Haggard focuses on the pain and suffering he caused his own mother by being incarcerated in 1957 in San Quentin. Haggard ultimately served three years on a robbery conviction.
However, the song is not literally autobiographical, as many country music historians point out. While writer Bill Malone's assessment of the song is in agreement with Ace Collins' (referring to his own experiences that saw him sentenced to prison), Malone points out that Haggard never was sentenced to "life without parole," as the protagonist in the song was.[3] Still the song's lyrics, and the protagonist's experiences, are heavily influenced by Haggard's early life.
Additionally, Allmusic writer Bill Janovitz notes Haggard's lyrics are sympathetic to his mother, who tried everything in her power to rehabilitate her rebel son. But, as the lyrics point out, "In spite of all my Sunday learning, towards the bad I kept on turning/'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore"; thus the observation, "I turned 21 in prison doin' life without parole."
Malone notes that "Mama Tried" "recalls for us the 1960s California honky-tonk and the Merle Haggard sound of those years, featuring the searing electric guitar of Roy Nichols."
#MerleHaggard, #MerleHaggardSongs, #MerleHaggardVideos, #MerleHaggardMusic, #MerleHaggardLive
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[@CountryMusicOne]

Get the best of Merle Haggard's Music right here👉🎵 amzn.to/3AJ4Hn7

[@ragnarskjlingstad3125]

U

[@leahflower9924]

His mom's got a poker face lol

[@johnkasser8588]

Merle hit the nail on the head

[@sartainja]

I am glad that Merle’s mother lived long enough to see all the success that he had and the pardon that he received from Governor Reagan. Life in this cruel world is sweet - every once in awhile.

[@carmenmunro6163]

❤️❤️❤️👋👋👋🙏

[@andywinslow9638]

I melts my heart knowing she got to actually see her boy learn his lesson and give his song a happy ending because of her.

[@Bangkok-ik1fp]

Well said sir!

[@victoriarachelle89]

Amen. You know she was one proud momma.

[@jamespage8720]

everyone has done wrong, some more then others. But if you want true honest music, then you need to give a listen to "MR. MERLE HAGARD"!!. He did it all, "right and wrong, paid his dues, paid for his mistakes and left us with some of the "GREATEST COUNTRY MUSIC".....there is or ever will be. If you doubt that....just give a listen to any brand of music today....God has him now and he is safe and at peace.....his last song will break your heart......"I'm tired of it all......we love you Merle.

[@user-yb3pb6kp3h]

I'm sure merle sang this to her when he got to heaven rip merle best country music artist ever

[@johnlawson910]

I recall hearing a DJ relay a story about Haggard's mother. After achieving success she was asked "Aren't you proud of you son for his accomplishment?" Her response can only be classified as one of a true honest mother. She said "I have 3 children and I'm proud of them all". A true mom if ever there was one!

[@carmeldelaney1086]

I think Merle Lost his Dad when he was only 9.

[@colinwood387]

What a great country artist Meryl was and an equally great MaMa xxxxx

[@donmcc6573]

If anyone in Nashville is watching, this is country music.....

[@MelissaM.-jo8nz]

amen

[@mikesmith1788]

This man was classy. He surely paid his dues. He may have done some wrong in life but who hasn't. Love all his music, and sure do miss him.

[@guynoir4733]

Mr. Smith you said a mouth full , the likes of him are still running strong in his sons thank God . I used to work alone on the graveyard shift and would pop in the old eight track of Okie From Muskogee Live and play it loud , that was when I was a kid and I was country when country wasn't cool .

[@freedomlover6297]

@@guynoir4733 brings back memories of my 73 Nova with the 8 track

[@ericbelk5644]

We just got caught

[@mljones655]

@@guynoir4733 I met a guy in the Army from Muskogee. He said there was lots of marijuana there!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

@@mljones655 the times they are a changin.

[@sawboneiomc8809]

People don’t know but Ronald Regan pardoned him and he was forever thankful and always played a concert whenever he wanted.

[@GoofyGoober-us7yp]

@Ryan Reineke doing life without parole?

[@NurseShark340]

I was at the concert in Calif when he was presented with the official pardon from a government rep!!!

[@yourmomshouse6984]

@@NurseShark340 that’s awesome Kathy. What a time to be alive. Reagan was a class act!

[@juzagirlntheroom2692]

@@yourmomshouse6984 I miss him and Nancy,. Class acts!

[@jamesgaynor1572]

Sitting here at 65 years old with tears to my eyes, I lost my Mother 40 years ago......Mom,I still miss you!

[@pupintheturdiii]

I'm sorry James

[@jamesgaynor1572]

Thank you both, Louis our Mother's watch over us! I was 23 year's old when I lost my Mother on Memorial Day 1980. I lost control of my life, today I am a better person....her death shook me! Stay Strong and Stay Well!

[@lfkk4640]

Awesome. Lost my mom a week ago. This hits home. I love you Mom.

[@lfkk4640]

@Louis Edwards thank you. 🙏 to you as well.

[@booterman6450]

Losing my mom any day; I’ve loved being her baby boy .

[@praisethelord8592]

To his mom❤

[@protectthesecond2409]

Redemption Merle Haggard is the perfect example of people who need a second chance. Thank god for JOHNY CASH

[@dad4ever-c90]

How cool is that?!? Merle sang Mama Tried with his Mama right there in the front row.

[@notsosilentbob]

I wonder if Johnny Cash ever performed with a boy named Sue in the audience.

[@maryhoard2930]

That certainly loved his Mama and he was an amazing man for sure I will always love Merle Haggard and his music. I miss him as well RIP Mr. Merle Haggard you were the greatest💖😢

[@johnnyaces4290]

@@notsosilentbob yes! I wonder... That would have been awesome

[@andywinslow9638]

I so happy she got to see everything worked out and though the song didn't have a happy ending we know it really did. I miss him RIP Merle

[@micahjhoffman8329]

i see that

[@jcearnhardt393]

To pure country music fans this man is king

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

He is at that.

[@okfogle20]

King George disagrees 😬

[@jcearnhardt393]

@@okfogle20 I did say to pure country music fans so maybe you wouldn't understand but that's ok.

[@skeletonshorror5184]

Amen, brother. 💀🔥

[@austinmarshall5437]

Keith Whitley, but close

[@samuelfink4799]

No greater gift than being blessed with a good mother.

[@dannydealin6858]

Never been stated more accurately.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Samuel how are you doing

[@dagr.johnsen2164]

Very touching. You could see she was both very proud (of her son) and a little embarressed and shy at the same time (for the standing ovation she got.) RIP Merle and Mama.

[@victoriarachelle89]

I loved it when he said momma you ready for your song and shrugged his shoulders and she smiled at him. Great love there. That's her baby boy no matter what now hes in heaven with both his parents whom he loved dearly. RIP merle.

[@alaskangirl86]

Momma is very Beautiful

[@troyupshaw3846]

A beautiful lady for sure. Reminds me of my m om.

[@danielhaskins9157]

Whoever gave this a thumbs down is not a country fan and please don’t consider yourself one. This is the greatest country singer that ever lived. Rip HAG.

[@bojones2744]

agree Dan

[@mrs.schmenkman]

Actually i could see people thumbs downing it ... it’s not exactly a song to dedicate to your mom lol!! She tolerated it but ... it’s not exactly a song Id be proud of either. Mama failed to save me....LMFAO But yes Haggard had more talent in his pinky than 90% of country artists that ever lived. He could do ANYTHING with his voice or with his instruments.

[@crash9632]

The best?

[@larrysnider4004]

@@crash9632 Yep. The best.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

Don’t even pay any attention to those people. They ain’t right to begin with.

[@rogertripp167]

This concert was in Fresno, CA on 5/04/1984, Flossie Haggard, Merle's mother would pass away on 7/07/1984, just 64 days after this concert, that's his older sister Lillian sitting next to Merle's mother. It had to mean so much to Merle from that day forward!

[@aliciaramos4747]

Thank you Roger for that info. That was such a beautiful tribute. I absolutely loved it.

[@lofiftyfifty9206]

Simple things, mean the most, and run deep🎶♥️

[@keithjohnson-mq2sv]

My grandmother Nellie Evans and Merle’s grandmother Martha Villines were 1st cousins. Merle wrote a song about her, Grandma Harp Merle is my 3rd cousin I never did get a chance to meet him before his passing but enjoy his music every day !

[@nathueil1]

I almost thought it was Sebney Two.

[@markkolstad7076]

was born in fresno 54...spent a teen year in bakersfield... and moved back (to clovis)...i was just a kid then, yes but if i were older, i could have partied with some of the best country singers on the planet!

[@tinman8518]

She must've been mortified by all the trouble he got into. At least she was faithful with his "Sunday learnin'."

[@carmenmunro6163]

❤️❤️❤️👋

[@wealldieatthehandsoflovedones]

My momma tried too

[@estebanmiguel6019]

Great comment. I bet she prayed for him every day. My mom in law has prayed for her 3 boys every day of their lives.

the ugly truth what’s your excuse then?

[@wealldieatthehandsoflovedones]

@ temptation... Pleasure... Bad attitude

[@citifolk]

When I was young, I couldn’t stand these songs. Now that I am old and have a life of bad decisions behind me, I finally get it.

[@chenzenzo]

Ain't nobody can say they went from Quentin to singing to their Mama's like Merle did.❤️ That's a damn good man!

[@user79592]

I always think of my Mom when I hear this song. Our Dad left our Mom "with a heavy load" too... when he took his own life, Leaving Mom with his 4 mean ass boys to contend with. I have no memory of him, just stories and very few pics. He was a medic in the Korean war. He saw it all. If anyone is having suicidal thoughts , please get some help. Although they may not show it or say it, There are people in your life who need and love you and depend upon you. You can get past it. That's all I know to say.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Flint how are you doing

[@janebeatty200]

I know what you're saying 😥

[@davidmiller9984]

Hang in there,God bless you,mom and him.Sometimes you can't carry the load.

[@user79592]

@@lydialas8756 I'm okay. How are you?

[@user79592]

@@davidmiller9984 Thank you and the same for you buddy.

[@delcaplette7676]

She must have did somthing right....a great son and lots of great grand children....miss you Merle.

[@Gratefulman1965]

The “Rebel king of Bakersfield”

[@JD-bl5xy]

I lost my daddy when I was 11 years old and my mom raised five kids on her own, she’s old school and doesn’t put up with any bullshit I love momma

[@AnnabelleMargon]

Hi how are you doing today I hope you love this song right

[@Alanoffer]

It’s nice his mother lived to see him become a star .

[@andywinslow9638]

And got to see him released and give the song a happy ending

[@connieadams7131]

This world is still missing this man.

[@delorestaylor8114]

It is wonderful thing to have a wayward child turn into a good person.

[@user-ut8ls7qp1j]

I LOVE MERLE HAGGARD

[@lowellcalavera6045]

What a voice the man had.

[@lindajohnson6368]

What a wonderful Mama!!❤

[@petergrayson5616]

God bless Mama.

[@mikegreen1095]

When mom smiled I smiled automatically. 😊😌🥰

[@leonaduncan3047]

That was a great honor that was given to his beautiful Mom. She's a wonderful lady and you never stop loving your children ❤ no matter what. You can dislike what they do but you can't stop loving them. Merle was a super great singer and songwriter and is greatly missed 😍💙🙏oxoxox oxoxox oxoxox

[@leonaduncan3047]

Thanks 😊 🙏

[@carmenmunro6163]

Awesome and the truth 😅🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@leonaduncan3047]

@@carmenmunro6163 Thanks 😊 🙏

[@carmenmunro6163]

Hi Leona How are you doing 🙏🙏😊😊 seems we have Merle Haggard heart 💓💓💓 both of us.sendme a messenger request.l am just honest and Love my Creator.... just honest and sincere, live in Canada no secrets hidden

[@andywinslow9638]

Thanks😃🥰. Flossie is like my mom so I feel happy to see her smiling. I've made mistakes myself and she stuck with me. Merle and I are both blessed with wonderful mom's.

[@lukasnummer1]

It is wonderful that Merle's mother, who had to deal with so much trouble with her son in his younger years, got to live to an old age so that she could see the incredible success that her problem child went to have in his life - becoming the greatest country songwriter of all time. She must have been proud in the end.

[@thurmanwatson5954]

Boy that got to me... brought tears to me thinking of my mom too

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Flossie Harp Haggard was certainly a special lady!

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Flossie Mae

[@Imaewok]

What a name...love it!!

[@andywinslow9638]

I'll now smile hearing this knowing his mother succeeded in teaching him in the end and that the song really did have a happy ending. And that Mama got to see him perform this instead of passing away thinking she failed. RIP Merle. I'm sad you're gone but you'll never truly die

[@redstateforever]

Merle got his cheekbones from his mama, she was a very pretty lady. His voice is so silky, truly once in a generation.

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I'm so glad his mother and him,had this moment. So very special,,,

[@kezzaobee1462]

How beautiful to sing that too his mum, you could tell she was so very humble. Loved her little smiles, not wanting to take the limelight off her Son. ❤❤❤Merle ❤️❤️❤️

[@shawnhall1893]

He made his mom the star after that song, that was sweet. She was so happy.

[@Tony-5000]

When country music was actually country music 🎶

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[@CP-gr8qp]

This is TRUE Country music. Merle was so great! What a sweet looking Mama. Special time for them.

[@rebeccapardue8438]

Brought a tear to my eye. Rest in Peace Merle and Momma. Mike Pardue ✌

[@thomasboomback1153]

Hello there how you doing over there today

[@user-gw1hr7zy7e]

merles mama is beautiful !! love you merle !! 🙏🙏⭐⭐🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹♥️♥️💙💙💙✌️✌️🤟🤟🤟

[@catherinesalmon3310]

From. Canada. That. was. real decent. of. Merle. Haggard. bringing. his. older. mother. and. older. sister. too that. concert. , One. hell of. a good singer. with. a good. string. of. hits. , best. to. Merle’s. family. / thank- you. may. Merle. rest in. peace. / Bill. S. Canada

[@mikewoodson6930]

When Merle said: Y’all don’t bother her now”. There was nothing casual about that, he damn well meant leave her alone!

[@dillonmarshall1689]

Then there were all the bikers amongst the crowd just waiting for that one idiot to bother Flossie... just to give that idiot a "talking to" out back...

[@johnriggle5336]

I had the pleasure to hang out with the great Hag back in early 2000,s very nice man I'll never forget that day .

[@slythdreams]

I wish my mom could see this. She loved this song.

[@susanrodgers9222]

My late husband's hero! This song was his favorite. He used to say that his momma tried too...

[@fredthomas4342]

Hello Susan..

[@anelladambrosio2513]

@@fredthomas4342 ciao Fred! 🙋‍♀️😍😘💘🍀

[@nateconley.6209]

It's a great feeling knowing his momma was around to see her baby become a legend loved my thousands if not millions of people. Outstanding

[@travishendrix7026]

This is what country music and its people are all about.

[@HelenPrior-wh3ml]

One of his songs Thats the way love goes.Listen to it.Absolutley beautiful. ❤

[@ghost_rider221]

You dont get any better than this..its wonderful that his momma was there to see it happen..its a treat for us all to see her enjoy the evening

[@stephen95b]

The greatest Country singer in the history of the world. No questions. Sure do miss him.

[@tonybell4953]

Happy Birthday Love Merle aways🎼🎸🖤

[@rogerlawson4516]

Met Merle Haggard and Mr Roy Nichols in March 1973 in Chicago IL. Met Mrs. Haggard later that year as she was on Marty Haggard's tour in Harrison, AR.

[@victoriarachelle89]

Wow heart touching. Her smile to hag was so priceless. I know she was so proud if Merle. Never gave up on the hope in her son.seen nothing but true love

[@broganmoffet7173]

Merle the one and only. Rip hag you were the best

[@Impailer67]

i always figured ,he really was a good ol boy

[@juliaroyce5242]

Real music. Real people. Real morals. Real.

[@traviscoonrod185]

If "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is the best country song ever written then "Mama Tried" is definitely number 2. It might just be number 1 though! Merle was the best country ARTIST of all time.

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[@cindykoeppel8860]

Awe, what a sweet thing and you could see the love and tenderness in her eyes. RIP Merle and mama.

[@jasonhanner6815]

@Cindy. You are right by the way, how are you and how did you spend your weekend? looking forward for your reply.Have a nice week

[@auntiefiat9769]

Merle will always be my favorite!

[@Ciscorelli]

I miss the shit out of this man. We need him now more than ever.

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

My Dad and as a kid used to sit on back porch and sing along to Merle's records! Miss those days!

[@bobwyatt8318]

Haggard is and will always be an American musical treasure . He is one of a kind , original to the core .

[@polixeniagraf2636]

Beautiful song!❤👏👏👏🙂

[@fredthomas4342]

Hello Polixenia..

[@jerusalem7576]

My favorite country singer

[@James-mh4wv]

Bless You Moma!!!!

[@2bigbufords]

That was awesome

[@tatjanaevodia]

I was born too late :( Would have loved to go to his concert

[@aledojustajones]

Ahhhh, good old country music for the soul

[@AnnabelleMargon]

Hi how are you doing today I hope you love this song right so how is your day going today

[@kelseygallagher7603]

This was the cutest thing I've ever watched. She was so proud.

[@LORDS-SWORD]

THE BEST HANDS DOWN!!

[@patriciajrs46]

It's good to see his mamma. Thanks Merle.

[@chrishowell199]

That was SO very cool and "she's to blame for this whole evening".😆 That was great, and what an awesome performance from not only Merle with those runs, but that guitarist ripped UP that quick little solo.

[@karenenderle532]

That "guitarist" is the one and only Roy Nichols!

[@tattoo5187]

They aint no songs like this anymore.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Carson how are you doing

[@stephentaege6255]

Beautiful song great to See🤠 Merle's beautiful mother watching him 🤠👍 cheers Stephen 🤠⭐⭐🦅🦅👍👍

[@davidrichardson518]

She probably yelled at him “ don’t make me cry you’ll muss up my make up “ I love at the end him saying y’all don’t bother her now . Like I will catch another case if ya do .

[@exiledhelljumper452]

i can only imagine how proud she must have been to see him overcome and succeed like he did

[@prayunceasingly2029]

A great sounding song - slick guitar too

[@johnbourgeois1414]

That’s a tearjerker

[@anthonygermano9363]

This is one of my favorite Merle songs. Just Beautiful. Man this is Country Music!!!! Got a tear in my eye just watching this. Thanks Hill Billy.

[@towndrunkjr.5420]

I still find it so cool that Merle was in the crowd watching the man in black play in prison

[@texasrangers95]

Despite the trouble he got in you know his momma is still so proud of him !

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

I grew up on this music. Merle, George, Hank, Johnny, Charlie Pride etc...were a part of it. RIP MERLE, GEORGE,HANK, AND THE OTHERS WHO HAVE PASSED ON.!! YOU ARE MISSED, YOU ARE LOVED !! ❤️🌹👍🎵🎶

[@DrInk-pl2ns]

My favorite musician

[@mizzmead8077]

God has blessed us with Merle and his talents.. His new grand child he was able to touch b4 his passing. Love the man and his music and his sons.

[@vgarza1972]

Merle was a man of many hats and so glad he shared his life and music with us to live on forever, we miss you Hag everyday and all those golden voices of the real Country Music of the past but still live on in the future!!

[@nancydemoss2945]

What a beautiful lady. Rest her soul. 🙏🕊

[@earlputnal9124]

A proud mama if I ever saw one. She was very thankful of Merle's tribute song for her. But didn't want all the attention drawn to her though. But it was nice.

[@alanmccarthy2285]

Country gold

[@ronjones8981]

His mother was so beautiful. I’m sure she was so proud of her loving son.

[@pauladills145]

My mom told me if u can't remember me with a smile just don't remember me at all....🙏❤

[@bobbygriz5648]

Y'all don't bother her now🤔A son protects his mother❤🙏

[@josephbrockett2653]

Freaking awesome my momma died while I was doing life in prison but she loved me to the end of that I'm sure

[@stevenboltz8759]

Mel Hagerd is And was my most favorite country singer ever.

[@jimmiematho8082]

Imagine how proud she must have been,....God bless her soul....Wonderful moment

[@dorimckee9512]

I love Merle. One of the greatest of all time

[@vinnyvaselino7975]

Oh my god, when she started smiling 🥲🥲🥲