First Thing I Remember
I was an only rebel child from a family meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learning, with the bad 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, but her pleading I denied
That lays only me to blame, cause mama tried
Dear old daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hard to get by, but mama tried

Ten 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 lays only me to blame, cause mama tried
And I turned twenty-one in prison, doing life without parole