[Verse 1] Mama, I came home late Shoes full of red dirt Hands still shaking From the weight I carried first I kept your old photo Folded in my coat When the room got cold I held it like a rope [Pre-Chorus] I swear I ran As far as I could run I swear I fought Till the fight went numb And if I fell It was on my knees I was calling out Please believe in me [Chorus] Mama I tried (I tried) Mama I tried (I tried) With a broken heart And both my eyes wide Mama I tried (I tried) Mama I tried (I tried) I was reaching for home With the storm inside [Verse 2] Your porch light flickered On the faded paint I stood at the gate With the words I can't explain The town still whispers Like it knows my name But your arms were always Where I found my flame [Pre-Chorus] I swear I ran As far as I could run I swear I bled Till the bleeding done And if I lost What you gave to me I was still your son On my bent-up knees [Chorus] Mama I tried (I tried) Mama I tried (I tried) With a broken heart And both my eyes wide Mama I tried (I tried) Mama I tried (I tried) I was reaching for home With the storm inside [Bridge] If you hear me now Don't turn away I kept your love Like a prayer I say When the night got mean I still stood tall For your name in me I gave it all [Final Chorus] Mama I tried (I tried) Mama I tried (I tried) With a broken heart And both my eyes wide Mama I tried (I tried) Mama I tried (I tried) I was reaching for home With the storm inside Mama I tried (I tried) Mama I tried (I tried) If I can't undo it At least I survived
