First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young'uns dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound
And 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
Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin'
Till Mama couldn't hold me anymore

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
That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

Dear old Daddy rest his soul left my Ma a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right but I refused

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
That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried