"Mama Tried" is not a song by The Everly Brothers, but by Merle Haggard. The song tells the story of a rebellious individual who recalls their upbringing and the efforts their mother made to guide them on the right path. The lyrics reveal a sense of regret and acknowledgment of the mother's influence. The protagonist remembers the sound of a lonesome whistle and dreams of escaping their small town by riding a freight train. However, despite their ambitions, they acknowledge that their mind couldn't be changed except by their mother's efforts. The rebellious nature of the individual is emphasized by being the only rebel child in a meek and mild family. As time passes, the protagonist finds themselves in prison at the age of 21, serving a life sentence without parole. They realize that nobody could lead them down the right path, except for their mother who had tried. Despite her attempts to raise them better, the protagonist denied her pleading, leaving only themselves to blame. The song also mentions the heavy burden left on the protagonist's mother by their father's passing. The mother works tirelessly to provide for her child and wishes for them to have a better life. However, the protagonist stubbornly refuses to follow the right path their mother tries to guide them towards. Overall, "Mama Tried" reflects on the rebelliousness of youth and the regrets that may come later in life when one realizes the efforts and sacrifices their mother made to guide them. It highlights the universal struggle of parents trying their best to raise their children and the importance of parental guidance in shaping their future.
