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.