The first thing I remember knowin'
was a lonesome whistle blowin'
and a youngin's dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town
not knowin' where I'm bound
and no one could change my mind, but Mama tried
One and only rebel child
from a family meek and mild
My Mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learnin'
towards the bad I kept on turnin'
'til Mama couldn't hold me anymore
And I turned twenty-one in Prison doing life without parole
No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied
And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried
Dear ol' Daddy rest his soul
left my mom a heavy load
she tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest
wanted me to have the best
she tried to raise me right, but I refused
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied
And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried

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