Mama Tried

The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'

And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride

On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' 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 to know what lay in store

'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin'

'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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 ole' daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load

She tried so very hard to feel his shoes

Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

She tried to raise me right but I refused

I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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

And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried

That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried