D

D G D GThe first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

D G A7And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,

D G D GOn a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.

D A7 DAnd no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

D G D GOne and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild

D G A7My mama seemed to know what lay in store,

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

D A7 D'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

D G DAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

Bm A7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

D G DMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

D A7 DAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

D G

D A7 D

D G D GDear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,

D G A7She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,

D G D GWorkin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

D A7 DShe tried to raise me right but I refused.

D G DAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

Bm A7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

D G DMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

D A7 DAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried