The first thing I remember
Knowin was a
Lonesome whistle blowin
And a younguns dream

Of growin up to ride

On a freight train leavin town

Not knowin where Im 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 to
Know what lay in store

Spite all my Sunday learnin

Towards the bad
I kept on turnin

Til mama couldn't
Hold me anymore

I turned twenty-one 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 pleading I denied

That leaves only me to blame
'Cause mama tried

Dear ole daddy  rest his
Soul left my mom a heavy load

She tried so very hard
To feel his shoes

Workin hours without rest

Wanted me to have the best

She tried to raise me
Right but I refused

I turned twenty-one 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 pleading I denied

And that leaves only me to blame
'Cause mama tried

And that leaves only me to blame
'Cause mama tried