D5          G5             D5                G5
First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
      D5                   G5             A5
And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride
     D5                     G5         D5                 G5
On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound
       D5                   A5             D5
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
       D5                                       G5              D5
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
   G5                  D5                           A5
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
     D5                                 G5             D5
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied,
                       A5                 D5
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