Mama Tried (Reissue Bonus Track)

(album: One Day At A Time - 1970)

First thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young man's dream of growing up to ride
On a freight train leaving town
Never knowing 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
'Spite of all my Sunday learning
To the bad, I kept a turning
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

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 pleadings I denied
That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

Dear old Daddy, rest his soul
Left my Mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest
Wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right but I refused

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 pleadings I denied
That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried