F#

F# B F# BThe first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

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

F# B F# BOn a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.

F# C#7 F#And no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

F# B F# BOne and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild

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

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

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

F# B F#And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

D#m C#7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

F# B F#Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

F# C#7 F#And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

F# B

F# C#7 F#

F# B F# BDear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,

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

F# B F# BWorkin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

F# C#7 F#She tried to raise me right but I refused.

F# B F#And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

D#m C#7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

F# B F#Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

F# C#7 F#And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried