MAMA TRIED

 

First thing I remember knowin'  was a lonesome whistle blowin'

And a young one's dream 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

Chorus

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

 

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

Repeat Chorus

Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load

She tried so very hard to fill his shoes

Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best

She tried to raise me right, but I refused

Repeat Chorus