The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',
And a youngun's dream of growin' 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.
One and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild
My mama seemed to to know what lay in store,
'spite all my sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin',
'til mama couldn't hold me anymore.
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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
And that leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried
Dear ole' daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load,
She tried so very hard to feel his shoes,
Workin' 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 doin' 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
And that leaves only me to blame, cause mama tried
Mama Tried Lyrics performed by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are property and copyright of the authors, artists and labels. You should note that Mama Tried Lyrics performed by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is only provided for educational purposes only and if you like the song you should buy the CD