Mama Tried

First thing I remember knowin' Was a lonesome whistle blowin' And a youngin's dreams of Growin' up to ride On a freight train leavin' town Not knowin' where I'm bound No one could steer me right But mama tried One and only rebel child From a family meek and mild My mama seemed to know what Lay in store In spite of all my Sunday learnin' Toward the bad I kept on turnin' Till 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 pleading I denied That leaves only me to blame Cause mama tried Dear old Daddy rest his soul He left my mom a heavy load She tried so very hard To fill his shoes Worked hours without rest Wanted me to have the best 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 pleading I denied That leaves only me to blame Cause mama tried