Mama Tried (Live at Hartford Civic Center, October 14, 1983)

The first I remember knowing

Was that lonesome whistle blowing

And a youngin's dream

Of growing up to ride

On a freight train leaving town

Not knowing where I was bound

No one could steer me right

But mama tried

Was the only rebel child

From a family meek and mild

Mama seemed to know

What lay in store

In spite of all my Sunday learning

For the bad I kept on turning

And mama couldn't hold me anymore

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 no one but me to blame

Cause mama tried

Dear old daddy rest his soul

Left my mom a heavy load

She tried so very hard

To fill his shoes

Working hours without rest

Wanted me to have the best

Oh she tried to raise me right

But I refused

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 no one but me to blame

Cause mama tried

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 no one but me to blame

Cause mama tried

That leaves no one but me to blame

Cause mama tried