Mama Tried (Live)

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