D#

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

D# G# A#7And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,

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

D# A#7 D#And no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

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

D# G# A#7My 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# A#7 D#'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

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

Cm A#7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

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

D# A#7 D#And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

D# G#

D# A#7 D#

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

D# G# A#7She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,

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

D# A#7 D#She tried to raise me right but I refused.

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

Cm A#7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

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

D# A#7 D#And that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried