Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Merle Haggard - Mama Tried (Live 2004) lyrics

The first thing I remember knowin'
Was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town
Not knowin' where I'm bound
No one could change my mind but mama tried

One and only rebel child from
A family meek and mild
My mama seemed to to know what lay in store
'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the
Bad I kept on turnin'
'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore

I turned twenty-one in prison
Doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right but mama tried
Mama tried mama tried to raise me better
But her pleading I denied
That leaves only me to blame
'cause mama tried dear ole' daddy
Rest his soul left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to feel his shoes
Workin' hours without rest
Wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right but I refused

I turned twenty-one in prison
Doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right but mama tried
Mama tried mama tried to raise me better
But her pleading I denied
And that leaves only me to blame
'cause mama tried
That leaves only me to blame
'cause mama tried