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 my Sunday learning,
Towards the bad, I kept turning.
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore.


And I turned twenty-one in prion doing life without parole.
No-one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried.

Mama tried to aise 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.


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.