First thing I remember
knowing was a lonesome
whistle blowing and a
young un'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
mama tried
One and only rebel child
from a 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
till mama
Couldn't hold me
any more
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
'cos 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
'cos mama tried