The first thing I remember knowing Was a lonesome whistle blowing And a young one's dream of growing up to ride On a freight train leaving town Not knowing where I'm bound And 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 Depite 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 cause Mama tried SOLO 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 cause Mama tried