Mama Tried

The first thing I remember knowin'
 Was a lonesome whistle blowin'
 And a young un's dream of growin' up to ride
 On a freight train leavin' town
 Not knowin' where I'm bound
 And 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 learnin'
 Towards the bad, I kept on turnin'
 'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore
 And I turned 21 in prison doin' 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
 
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 Dear old Daddy, rest his soul
 Left my Mom a heavy load
 She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
 Workin' hours without rest
 Wanted me to have the best
 She tried to raise me right, but I refused
 And I turned 21 in prison doin' 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