Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Mama Tried lyrics

The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

And a youngun'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 fam'ly meek and mild

My mama seemed to to know what lay in store,

'spite all my sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin',

'til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

And I turned twenty-one 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

And that leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried

Dear ole' daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load,

She tried so very hard to feel his shoes,

Workin' 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 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

And that leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried