D#G#D#G#
First thing I remember knowinʼ was a lonesome whistle blowinʼ
D#G#A#7
And a young-onʼs dream of growing up to ride
D#G#D#G#
On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where Iʼm bound
D#A#7D#
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
ʼSpite of all my Sunday learninʼ, toward the bad I kept on turninʼ
ʼTil Mama couldnʼt hold me anymore
Chorus:
D#G#D#
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
G#D#A#7
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,
A#7D#
that leaves only me to blame, ʼcause 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.
