Mama Tried

The first I remember knowin' Was that lonesome whistle blowin' And a youngin's dream Of growin' up to ride On a freight train leavin' town Not knowin' where I was bound No one could steer me right But mama tried Was the only rebel child From a family meek and mild Mama seemed to know What lay in store In spite of all my Sunday learnin' For the bad I kept on turnin' And mama couldn't hold me anymore And I turned 21 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 pleadin' I denied That leaves no one but 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 Oh, she tried to raise me right But I refused And I turned 21 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 pleadin' I denied That leaves no one but me to blame 'Cause mama tried And I turned 21 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 pleadin' I denied That leaves no one but me to blame 'Cause mama tried That leaves no one but me to blame 'Cause mama tried