Key:
Introduction: D
D G D G
The first thing I remember knowing was a lonesome whistle blowin'
D A7
And a young un's dream of growin' up to ride
D G D G
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound
D A7 D
And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried
D G D G
One and only rebel child, from a family meek and mild
D A7
My Mama seemed to know what lay in store
D G D G
'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin'
D A7 D
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore
D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole
Bm A7
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
D G D
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied,
A7 D
that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried
D G
e --pb12(13)----------------------------
B -----------13--pb5(6)-------3---3-5-3-
D A7 D
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B -----------------------------------pb5(6)r---
D G D G
Dear old Daddy, rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load
D A7
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
D G D G
Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
D A7 D
She tried to raise me right, but I refused
D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole
Bm A7
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
D G D
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied,
A7 D
that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried