Lyrics of Mama tried

The first thing i remember knowing,
Was a lonesome whistle blowing,
And a young un's 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.
Despite 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 'cos mama tried.
Instrumental break.
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 'cos mama tried.