First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'   And a young one's dream of growing up to ride   On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound   No one could steer me right but mama tried      One and only rebel child, family meek and mild   My mama seemed to know what lay in store   Despite of all my Sunday learnin', bad I kept on turnin'   'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore      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, 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 steer me right but I refused      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   That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried   That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried