Mama Tried

The first thing I remember knowin'
was a lonesome whistle blowin'
and a youngin's dream of growin' up to ride

On a freight train leavin' town
not knowin' 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 learnin'
towards the bad I kept on turnin'
'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
And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried

Dear ol' 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
And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried