The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound
No one could change my mind but Mama tried
One and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' 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