INTRO: E
#1.
E A
The first thing I remember knowin' was a
E A E
lonesome whistle blowin' and a young'un's
B
dream of growing up to ride.
E A E
On a freight train leavin' town not knowin'
A E
where I'm bound and no one could change my
B E
mind but Mama tried.
#2.
E A E
One and only rebel child from a family meek
A E
and mild, my Mama seemed to know what lay
B
in store.
E A
In spite of all my Sunday learnin', towards
E A E
the bad I kept a-turnin', til Mama couldn't
B E
hold me anymore.
CHORUS:
E A
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life
E
without parole.
Dbm B
No one could steer me right but Mama tried,
Mama tried.
E A
Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading
E
I denied.
B E
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried.
#3.
E A E
Dear old Daddy, rest his soul, left my Mom a
A
heavy load.
E B
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes.
E A E
Working hours without rest, wanted me to have
A
the best.
E B E
She tried to raise me right, but I refused.
CHORUS:
E A
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life
E
without parole.
Dbm B
No one could steer me right but Mama tried,
Mama tried.
E A
Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading
E
I denied.
B E
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried.
