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 One and only rebel child From a family meek and mild Mama seemed to know what lay in store In spite of all my Sunday learning Towards the bad I kept on turning 'Til 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 2] 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 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 That leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried