Mama Tried (Live at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, NC, 4/12/78)

Lyrics

[Verse 1] First thing I remember knowing Was a lonesome whistle blowing And a youngin's dream of growing up to ride On a freight train leaving town Not knowing where I'm bound And no one could steer me right, but Mama tried One and only rebel child From a family meek and mild And Mama seemed to know what lay in store 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 no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried [Verse 2] Dear old Daddy, rest his soul Left my mom a heavy load And she tried so very hard to fill his shoes Working hours without rest Wanted me to have the best And 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 Leaves no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried [Instrumental Break] [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 no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried That leaves no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried