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Key: D
Intro:
D D
Verse 1:
D G
The first thing I remember knowin'
D G
Was a lonesome whistle blowin'
D A
And a young'n's dream of growing up to ride
D G
On a freight train leaving town
D G
Not knowing where I'm bound
D A D
And no one could change my mind, but mama tried
Verse 2:
D G
A one and only rebel child
D G
From a family meek and mild
D A
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
D G
Despite all my Sunday learnin'
D G
Towards the bad I kept on turnin'
D A D
'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore
Chorus:
D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison, doing life without parole
Bm A
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
D G D
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied
A D
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried
[Instrumental Break]
D G A D
Verse 3:
D G
Dear old daddy, rest his soul
D G
Left my mom a heavy load
D A
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
D G
Working hours without rest
D G
Wanted me to have the best
D A D
She tried to raise me right, but I refused
Chorus:
D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison, doing life without parole
Bm A
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
D G D
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied
A D
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried
A D
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried
Outro:
D G D D D D
Song History
Published: March 14, 2026
Last Updated: March 14, 2026