Intro: #1. The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' and a young'un's dream of growing 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. #2. One and only rebel child from a family meek and mild, my Mama seemed to know what lay in store. In spite of all my Sunday learnin', towards the bad I kept a-turnin', til Mama couldn't hold me anymore. And I turned twenty-one in prison doing 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. #3. Dear old Daddy, rest his soul, left my Mom a heavy load. She tried so very hard to fill his shoes. Working 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 doing 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. OUTRO: