Old 97's - Mama Tried lyrics

Merle haggard, bluebook music (bmi) First thing i remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' And a young-on'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 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 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 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