What Are You Listening To?

[CRAZY-HORSE]

MERLE HAGGARD  "the very best of..." cd, 2008

Phew!, good to get back to some REAL country storytelling again...
double disk set
first disk played, covers mainly the 60s.
dude was incarcerated in San Quentin in the 1950s, John Cash did a concert there in '59 and Merle was in the audience,
that pivitol moment changed his life and he picked up a guitar and started playing.
a large number of his songs are autobiographical which is what resonates with me.
great artist, even greater songwriter and a true 'in your face' outlaw.
I LOVE THIS DISK

i dont have a favourite song but this one always stands out:






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
Till 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.

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