The first thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young one'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
Depite 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
SOLO
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
