You had big plans, I understand You wanted more for me than you ever got from a man Fancy dresses, big diamond rings House full of babies and 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 a bridesmaid, never the bride Mama, Mama I tried I got so close so many times Now I'll never get back the best years of my life Empty proposals, all talk no show It's gettin' too hard to keep holdin' 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 a 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 a bridesmaid, never the bride Mama, Mama I tried Goddammit, Mama I tried