Merle haggard, bluebook music (bmi)
First thing i remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young-on's dream of growing 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, from a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
'spite of all my sunday learnin', toward the bad i kept on turnin'
'til mama couldn't hold me anymore

Chorus:
And 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, he left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right, but i refused

Chorus