The first thing I remember knowin’ Was a lonesome whistle blowin’ And a young-un's dream of growing 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 In spite of all my Sunday learnin’ Towards the bad, I kept a-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 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 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 That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried
