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.