Mama Tried

The first thing I remember knowin'

Was a lonesome whistle blowin'

And a young'un's dream of growing up to ride

On a freight train leavin' 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

In spite all my Sunday learnin'

Towards the bad, I kept a-turnin'

Till Mama couldn't hold me anymore

And I turned 21 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 21 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