Capo 3 
 
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The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin' 
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And a youngun's dream of growin' up to ride 
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On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound 
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No one could change my mind but Mama tried 
 
One and only rebel child from a fam'ly meek and mild  

My mama seemed to know what lay in store 

In spite all my Sunday learnin' towards the bad I kept on turnin' 

'Til Mama could not hold me anymore 


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And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole 
   F#5                               E5 
No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried 
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Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied  
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And that leaves only me to blame cause Mama tried   
 
 
Dear ole' Daddy,rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load 
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes 
Workin' hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best  
She tried to raise me right but I refused 
 
 
Chorus 
 
And that leaves only me to blamce cause mama tried