Mama Tried

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 to know what lay in store,

'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin',

'Till Mama could not 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

And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried

Dear ole' Daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load,

She tried so very hard to feel his shoes,

Workin' hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best

She tried to raise me right but I refused.

And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried.