First thing I remember knowing
is the lonesome whistle blowing
and a youngin's dream of growing up to rise.
On a freight train leaving town,
not knowing where I'm bound,
no one to change my mind.
Mama tried.
I wasn't an only rebel child from a family meek and mild.
My mama seemed to know what lay in store.
Despite all my Sunday learning,
for good or bad,
I kept on turning until mama couldn't hold me anymore.
When I turned 21 in prison doing life without parole,
no one could steer me right.
But mama tried,
mama tried,
mama tried to raise me better.
Every pleading I denied,
that leaves only me to blame,
because 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 21 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,
because mama tried.