G

G C G CThe first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

G C D7And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,

G C G COn a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.

G D7 GAnd no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

G C G COne and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild

G C D7My mama seemed to know what lay in store,

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

G D7 G'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

G C GAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

Em D7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

G C GMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

G D7 GAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

G C

G D7 G

G C G CDear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,

G C D7She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,

G C G CWorkin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

G D7 GShe tried to raise me right but I refused.

G C GAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

Em D7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

G C GMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

G D7 GAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried