B

B E B EThe first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

B E F#7And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,

B E B EOn a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.

B F#7 BAnd no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

B E B EOne and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild

B E F#7My mama seemed to know what lay in store,

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

B F#7 B'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

B E BAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

G#m F#7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

B E BMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

B F#7 BAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

B E

B F#7 B

B E B EDear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,

B E F#7She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,

B E B EWorkin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

B F#7 BShe tried to raise me right but I refused.

B E BAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

G#m F#7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

B E BMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

B F#7 BAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried