Mama Tried

First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'

And a young one's dream of growing up to ride

On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound

No one could steer me right but mama tried

One and only rebel child, family meek and mild

My mama seemed to know what lay in store

Despite of all my Sunday learnin', bad I kept on turnin'

'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore

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 steer me right but I refused

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

That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried

That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried