[Verse 1]
The first thing I remember knowin'
Was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young'n's dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train leaving town
Not knowing where I'm bound
And no one could change my mind, but mama tried

[Verse 2]
A one and only rebel child
From a family meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learnin'
Towards the bad I kept on turnin'
'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 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
[Chorus]
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