Mama Tried – Merle Haggard Linocut Graphic Tee

A tribute to one of country music’s most enduring songs and the man who wrote it.

Merle Haggard released “Mama Tried” in 1968, drawing from his own troubled youth and time spent incarcerated at San Quentin. Despite the song’s autobiographical roots, Haggard made one thing clear: his mother did everything she could to steer him in the right direction. The now-iconic refrain became a simple acknowledgment that sometimes, despite a mama’s best efforts, a kid is going to find his own way.

Our Mama Tried Tee began as an original hand-carved linocut portrait, printed by hand before being adapted for screen printing. The rough carved lines, heavy shadows and natural imperfections of the original block print have been preserved, giving the artwork the character of an old print-shop poster rather than a digitally rendered graphic.

Printed on a soft Bella+Canvas 3001 unisex tee in a warm cream color with the artwork printed on the front.

Details:

• Original hand-carved linocut artwork
• Inspired by Merle Haggard’s 1968 classic “Mama Tried”
• Bella+Canvas 3001 unisex T-shirt
• Warm cream color
• Front screen print
• Soft, lightweight feel
• Unisex fit

A little country music, a little trouble, and a reminder that Mama Tried.