The first thing I remember knowin
Was a lonesome whistle blowin
And a youngers dream of growin up to ride
On a freight train leavin town
Not knowin where Im 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 couldnt hold me anymore
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin 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 old Daddy, rest his soul
Left my Mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Workin 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 doin 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