Mama Tried

Mama Tried - The Astronauts

First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'

And a young'uns 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

Spite of all my Sunday learnin' the bad I kept on turnin'

Till 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

That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

Dear old Daddy rest his soul left my Mama 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 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

That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried