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