Mama Tried

First thing I remember knowin'
Was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young-un'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 know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learnin'
Towards the bad, I kept on turnin'
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

I turned 21 in prison, doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right, 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
Workin' hours without rest
Wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right, but I refused

I turned 21, in prison, doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right, Mama tried, Mama tried
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