The first thing I remember knowin was a lonesome whistle blowin
And a younguns dream of growin up to ride
On a freight train leavin town, not knowin where Im bound
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
Til 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
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, 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
And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried