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