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

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

Till 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