Mama Tried

First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle

blowin'

And a young'uns 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 know what lay in store

Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on

turnin'

Till Mama couldn't hold me anymore

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

(Instrumental Break)

Dear old Daddy rest his soul left my Ma 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

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