D G D G
The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin',
D G A7
And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride,
D G D G
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound.
D A7 D
And no one could change my mind but Momma Tried.
D G D G
One and only Rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild
D G A7
My momma seemed to to know what lay in store,
D G D G
'Spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin',
D A7 D
'Til momma couldn't hold me anymore.
Chorus
N.C. D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole,
Bm A7
No one could steer me right but Mamma Tried, Momma Tried
D G D
Momma Tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied
A7 D
And that leaves only me to blame, cause Momma Tried
Verse 3:
D G D G
Dear ole' daddy, rest his soul left my mom a heavy load,
D G A7
She tried so very hard to feel his shoes,
D G D G
Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
D G A7
She tried to raise me right but I refused.
Chorus
