[Verse 1]
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 was bound
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried

Dear old Dad, 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

[Chorus]
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
No one could steer me right, but Mama triеd, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise mе better, but her pleading I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame 'cause Mama tried

[Verse 2]
One and only rebel child
From a family meek and mild
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
[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

[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

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