First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' Had a youngin' dream of growin' up to ride On a freight train leavin' town Not knowin' 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 learnin' Lord to bad I kept on turnin' Till Mama couldn't hold me anymore And I turned 21 in prison doin' 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 Dear old Daddy rest his soul Left my Mama heavy load She tried so very hard to fill his shoes Workin' hours without rest Wanted me to have the best She tried to raise me right But I refused And I turned 21 in prison doin' life without parole No one could raise 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