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