Randy Travis’ Rendition Of Merle Haggard’s ‘Mama Tried’ Is So Good It’s Criminal

Youtube/GrandOleOpry (Left), Twitter/ReeseWitherspoon

Randy Travis paid tribute to the great Merle Haggard with a heart-stopping rendition of “Mama Tried.”

Travis recorded “Mama Tried” as part of the 1998 album, Tribute to Tradition, featuring various country singers honoring great artists of the past. However, Travis’ striking cover of Haggard’s No.1 hit song is widely considered the highlight of the tribute album.

The “Three Wooden Crosses” singer delivers a rendition highly reminiscent of Haggard’s original. Travis flawlessly takes on the role of a felon putting in his time, with his rich southern vocals electrifying the track.

“Mama Tried” was written and recorded by Haggard in 1968 and was inspired by the country singer’s 1957 incarceration in San Quentin. Haggard conveys the anguish and suffering he caused his mother following his sentencing. Haggard’s lyrics are sympathetic towards his mother, who he admits, “tried to raise [him] better.”

You can listen to the Randy Travis’ cover of “Mama Tried” in the video!