The First I Remember Knowin' Was That Lonesome Whistle Blowin'
And A Youngin's Dream Of Growin' Up To Ride.
On A Freight Train Leavin' Town, Not Knowin' Where I Was Bound
No One Could Steer Me Right, But Mama Tried.

Was The Only Rebel Child From A Family Meek And Mild
Mama Seemed To Know What Lay In Store
In Spite Of All My Sunday Learnin'
For The Bad I Kept On Turnin' And 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 Pleadin' I Denied
That Leaves No One But 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
Workin' Hours Without Rest, Wanted Me To Have The Best
Oh 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 Pleadin' I Denied
That Leaves No One But Me To Blame Cause Mama Tried.