Mama Tried Lyrics - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' 

And the youngest dream of growin' up to ride 

On a freight train leaving town not knowing where I'm bound 

And no one could change my mind, but mama tried 

One and only rebel child for my family meek and mild 

My mama seemed to know what lay in store 

In spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin' 

Till mama couldn't hold me anymore 

I turned twenty one in prison doing 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 old daddy, rest his soul, left my mama heavy load 

She tried so very hard to fill his shoes 

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

She tried to raise me right but I refused 

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I turned twenty one in prison, doing 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 

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