mama tried

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

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

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