Mama Tried Songtext
von Willie Nelson & Friends

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