Mama Tried

(album: Not Fade Away - 1992)

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