Mama Tried

The first thing I remember knowing

Was a lonesome whistle blowing

And a young gun'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 the 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

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

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