First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young-on'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 family meek and mild
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,
that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried
Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load