Mama Tried

(album: Jack Ingram - 1995)

The first thing I remember knowing was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a youngun'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 fam'ly meek and mild
My mama seemed to to know what lay in store
'Spite all my Sunday learning towards the bad I kept on turning
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

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
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
Working 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 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
And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried