Written by Haggard, “Mama Tried” was released in July 1968 as the first single and title track from Merle’s album Mama Tried. The song became a cornerstone of the country legend’s storied career, for which he won CMT’s Artist of a Lifetime Award in 2014.

“Mama Tried” also nabbed Merle the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GYfjMMHEY0

Lyrically, the song tells the story of Haggard’s bad boy youth. What were the effects of his actions? He caused his own mother much pain and suffering when, in 1957, he was arrest and sent to San Quentin Prison.

While incarcerated, Haggard saw Johnny Cash play, an event that changed his life and inspired him to pursue a life in country music instead of petty crime.