C

C F C FThe first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

C F G7And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,

C F C FOn a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.

C G7 CAnd no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

C F C FOne and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild

C F G7My mama seemed to know what lay in store,

C F C F'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin',

C G7 C'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

C F CAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

Am G7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

C F CMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

C G7 CAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

C F

C G7 C

C F C FDear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,

C F G7She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,

C F C FWorkin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

C G7 CShe tried to raise me right but I refused.

C F CAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

Am G7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

C F CMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

C G7 CAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried