Mama Tried

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

Never 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

'Spite of all my Sunday learnin'

To the bad, I kept a turnin'

'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

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 pleadings 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

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 pleadings I denied

That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried