Mama Tried

The first thing I remember knowing

Was a lonesome whistle blowing

And a youngin'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 laid ahead

Despite of all my Sunday learning

Towards the bad, I kept on turning

Till Mama couldn't hold me anymore

And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole

And 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

Yeah, she tried so very hard to fill his shoes

Working hours without rest

Wanted us to have the best

Yeah, she tried to raise me right, but I refused

I still do

'Cause 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

I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole

And no one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried

My Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading, I denied

That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

Aw, you boys, keep it going