"Mama Tried (2025)" lyrics - WILLIE NELSON

The first thing I remember knowin'
Was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And a young man's dream of growing up to ride
So on a freight train leaving town
Not knowing where I'm bound
And no one could change my mind, but mama tried

A one and only rebel child from a family meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
Despite all my Sunday learnin'
Towards the bad I kept turnin'
'Til mama couldn't hold me anymore

[Chorus:]
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 only 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
She tried to raise me right, but I refused

[Chorus:]
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 only me to blame, 'cause mama tried
That leaves only me to blame, 'cause mama tried