Mama Tried 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

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