Mama Tried

"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 "