Mama Tried - Grateful Dead

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