First thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And the youngest 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
And despite all my Sunday learning
Tore the bat I kept on turning
Till 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
Though I pleaded and I denied
That leaves only me to blame
Cause mama tried
She tried her very best to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest
Wanting 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
Though I pleaded and I denied
That leaves only me to blame
Cause mama tried
And I turned twenty-one in prison
Doing life without parole
No one could steer me right
But mama tried, mama tried
Mama tried, mama tried

Mama tried to raise me better, gonna bleed night to night
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried
That leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried
Thank you Merle