Mama Tried

First thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young'uns 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 a family, meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite my Sunday learning
Towards the bad, I kept on turning
Till mama couldn't hold me anymore

And I turned 21 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 plеading I denied
That leavеs 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 21 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 plеading I denied
That leavеs only me to blame
'Cause mama tried
That leavеs only me to blame
'Cause mama tried