You had big plans, I understand
You wanted more for me than you ever got from a man
Fancy dresses and big diamond rings
House full of babies in designer blue jeans

Mama I tried, Mama I tried
I cheated and I lied
I painted up my face like a rodeo clown
And I choked on cheap perfume as I spread myself around
I strutted my stuff at every juke joint in town
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
Mama, Mama, I tried

I've got so close so many times
And I'll never get back the best years of my life
Empty proposals, all talk, no show
It's getting too hard to keep holding on
Now you've got to let it go

Mama I tried, Mama I tried
I cheated and I lied
I painted up my face like a rodeo clown
And I choked on cheap perfume as I spread myself around
I strutted my stuff at every juke joint in town
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
Mama, Mama, I tried

Lord, have mercy

Mama I tried, Mama I tried
I cheated and I lied
I painted up my face like a rodeo clown
And I choked on cheap perfume as I spread myself around
I strutted my stuff at every juke joint in town
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
Mama, Mama, I tried

God, damn it
Mama, I tried

Copyright: Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Walt Disney Music Company, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Writer(s): ANGALEENA PRESLEY, ORAN THORTON