Mama Tried Lyrics by Willie Nelson
The first thing I remember knowin’ was a lonesome whistle blowin’
And a youn man’s dream of growin’ up to ride
So, on a freight train leavin’ town, not knowin’ where I’m bound
No one could change my mind, but mama tried
One and only rebel child
From a family meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
And despite my Sunday learnin’
Towards the bad I kept turnin’
‘Til mama couldn’t hold me anymore
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
That leaves only me to blame, ’cause mama tried
Dear ol’ 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
Yeah, she tried to raise me right but I refused
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
That leaves only me to blame, ’cause mama tried
That leaves only me to blame, ’cause mama tried