G#

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

G# C#

G# D#7 G#

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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