Lyrics:

The first thing I remember knowing was that lonesome whistle blowing
And a youngun'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

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 no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried

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

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 no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried