Mama Tried

[Verse 1] The first i remember knowing was that lonesome whistle blowing And a youngin's dream of growing up to ride On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where i was bound No one could steer me right, but mama tried Was the only rebel child from a family meek and mild Mama seemed to know what lay in store In spite of all my sunday learning For the bad i kept on turning and mama couldn't hold me anymore [Chorus] And 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 no one but me to blame cause mama tried [Verse 2] 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 Oh she tried to raise me right, but i refused [Chorus][x2]