D G D G First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' D G A7 And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride D G D G On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound D A7 D And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried One and only rebel child, from a family meek and mild Mama seemed to know what lay in store 'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin' 'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore D G D And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole G D A7 No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried D G D Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied, A7 D that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load She tried so very hard to fill his shoes Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best She tried to raise me right, but I refused CHORUS