the first thing i remember knowing

was a lonesome whistle blowing

and a young un's dream

of growing up to ride

on a freight train leaving town

not knowing 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

despite all my sunday learning

towards the bad i kept on turning

til mama couldn't hold me anymore

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

bracketed

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 raise 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