Mama Tried

Lyrics

[Verse 1] The first thing I remember knowing Was a lonesome whistle blowing And a young'un's dream of growing up to ride On a freight train leaving town Not knowing where I'm bound And no one could change my mind, but mama tried [Verse 2] One and only rebel child From a family meek and mild My mama seemed to know what lay in store Despite all my Sunday learning Towards the bad I kept on turning Until mama couldn't hold me anymore [Chorus] 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 [Verse 3] 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 [Chorus] 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