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 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 [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