Lyrics

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 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 Despite all my Sunday learning Towards the bad, I kept on turning 'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore 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 --- Instrumental --- 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 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...