The first thing I remember knowinâ was a lonesome whistle blowinâ
And a youngunâs dream of growinâ up to ride
On a freight train leavinâ town, not knowinâ where Iâm bound
No one could change my mind but mama tried
One and only rebel child from a family meek and mild
My mama seemed to to know what lay in store
âSpite all my Sunday learninâ towards the bad I kept on turninâ
âTil mama couldn't hold me anymore.
I turned twenty-one in prison doinâ 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
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried
Dear oleâ daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to feel his shoes
Workinâ hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right but I refused
I turned twenty-one in prison doinâ 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
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried