First thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a youngin'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
My one and only rebel child
From a family meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
In spite of all my sunday
Learning towards the bad I kept on turning
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 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 handle 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