Donald Lied (Sing to “Mama Tried,” by Merle Haggard) (1)

 

First thing I remember knowing,

Was which way the wind was blowing

It seemed to fill my sails each time I lied.

Lies got me where I was bound

And lies helped to get me crowned,

Elected President first time I tried.

 

I was daddy’s rebel child,

So undisciplined and wild,

My mama seemed to know what lay in store.

But resistant to all learning,

To my lies I kept returning,

‘Til law could not ignore me anymore.

 

If I’m doing time in prison, will I ever earn parole,

With all my problems caused because I lied?

Mama tried to raise me better but her teachings I defied.

It’s only me to blame because I lied.

 

Dear old daddy, rest his soul,

Made my soul as black as coal.

I tried so very hard to fill his shoes.

Both tax cheating and bank fraud,

All financial statements, flawed.

There was no law that I did not abuse.

 

If indicted and convicted, will I ever gain parole,

With all my problems caused because I lied?

Mama tried to raise me better but her teachings I defied.

It’s only me to blame because I lied.

 

• “Mama Tried” was written and recorded by Merle Haggard in 1968, with his band, “The Strangers.” It reflects the anguish he caused his mother by being incarcerated in San Quentin for armed robbery in 1957.  The song earned a number of awards.  It’s worth a listen.

Now imagine Donald Trump singing it.  Also you must imagine that he has a conscience.