INTRO

The first thing I remember Knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' and a young man's dream of grown' up to ride

On a freight train leaving' town not known' where I'm bound 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 learning' toward the bad I kept on turnin' Until Mama couldn't hold me anymore

CHORUS 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 Mom 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

CHORUS