The first thing I remember knowin' Was a lonesome whistle blowin' And a youngin's 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 Despite all my Sunday learnin' Towards the bad I kept on turnin' '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 And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried Dear ol' 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 And that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried