E

E A E AThe first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

E A B7And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,

E A E AOn a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.

E B7 EAnd no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

E A E AOne and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild

E A B7My mama seemed to know what lay in store,

E A E A'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin',

E B7 E'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

E A EAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

C#m B7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

E A EMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

E B7 EAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

E A

E B7 E

E A E ADear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,

E A B7She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,

E A E AWorkin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

E B7 EShe tried to raise me right but I refused.

E A EAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

C#m B7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

E A EMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

E B7 EAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried