First thing i remember knowing was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young-on'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
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
Spite of all my sunday learning, toward the bad i kept on turning
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
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried
Dear old daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest, she 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
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried