The first thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young gun's dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train leaving town
Not knowing where I'm bound
No one could change my mind
But mama tried
One and only rebel child-
from the family, meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learning
Towards 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
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
That leaves only me to blame
'Cause mama tried