Lyrics:

Merle Haggard, Bluebook Music (BMI) First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' And a young-on'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 Mama seemed to know what lay in store 'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin' 'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore CHORUS: 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 Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load She tried so very hard to fill his shoes Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best She tried to raise me right, but I refused CHORUS