Mama Tried

First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' And a young one's dream of growing up to ride On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound No one could steer me right but mama tried One and only rebel child, family meek and mild My mama seemed to know what lay in store Despite of all my Sunday learnin', bad I kept on 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 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 steer me right but I refused 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 That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried