[Intro]
D D D D (bluesy guitar lick )
[Verse 1]
D G D G
First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
D G A7
And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride
D G D G
On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound
D A7 D
And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried
[Verse 2]
D G D G
One and only rebel child, from a family meek and mild
D G A7
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
D G D G
'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin'
D A7 D
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore
[Chorus]
D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
Bm D A7
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,
A7 D
that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried
[Verse 3]
D G D G
Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load
D G A7
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
D G D G
Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best
D A7 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 D A7
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,
A7 D
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried
[Turnaround]
A7 D
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried