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.