The 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 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 learning,
Towards the bad, I kept on turning
'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
That leaves only me to blame 'cos Mama tried

Instrumental break

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