[Verse 1]
First thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a youngin's dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train leaving town
Not knowing where I’m bound
And no one could steer me right, but Mama tried
One and only rebel child
From a family meek and mild
And Mama seemed to know what lay in store
All my Sunday learning
Towards the bad, I kept on turning
'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 no one but me to blame ’cause Mama tried

[Verse 2]
Dear old Daddy, rest his soul
Left my mom a heavy load
And she tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest
Wanted me to have the best
And she tried to raise me right, but I refused
[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
Leaves no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried

[Instrumental Break]

[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 no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried
That leaves no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried