Mama Tried Lyrics

First thing I remember knowin′ was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young man′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
In spite my Sunday learnin' toward 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, but mama tried, mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleadin′ I denied
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
Workin′ hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
And she tried to raise me right, but I refused

I turned 21 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 pleadin' I denied
That leaves only me to blame, ′cause mama tried

That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried