The first thing I remember knowin was a lonesome whistle blowin,
And a younguns dream of growin up to ride,
On a freight train leavin town, not knowin where Im bound.
And no one could change my mind but mama tried.
One and only rebel child from a famly meek and mild
My mama seemed to to know what lay in store,
spite all my sunday learnin towards the bad I kept on turnin,
til mama couldnt hold me anymore.

And I turned twenty-one 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
And that leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried

Dear ole daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load,
She tried so very hard to feel his shoes,
Workin 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 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
And that leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried