Lyrics:

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.