First thing I remember knowing
is the lonesome whistle blowing and a youngin's dream
of growing up to ride
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,
the worker bat 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,
but her pleading I denied, that lays
only me to blame, cause mama tried.
My 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.
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,
but her pleading I denied, that leaves
only me to blame, cause mama tried.