A

A D A DThe first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',

A D E7And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,

A D A DOn a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.

A E7 AAnd no one could change my mind but Mama tried.

A D A DOne and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild

A D E7My mama seemed to know what lay in store,

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

A E7 A'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore.

A D AAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

F#m E7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

A D AMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

A E7 AAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried

A D

A E7 A

A D A DDear ole' daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load,

A D E7She tried so very hard to fill his shoes,

A D A DWorkin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best

A E7 AShe tried to raise me right but I refused.

A D AAnd I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,

F#m E7No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

A D AMama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied

A E7 AAnd that leaves only me to blame, cause Mama tried