Mama Tried (live at the Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY, 2/18/71)

First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a youngin's dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I'm bound
And no one could change your mind but Mama tried

One and only rebel child from a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
In spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turning
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore

And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her plеadin' I denied
That leavеs only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

Dear old Daddy, rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load
Tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
Tried to raise me right but I refused

And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleadin' I denied
That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

And I turned twenty-one in prison doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleadin' I denied
That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried
That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried

–for another pigpen tune (time for another pigpen tune)
Time for another pigpen tune, roll it
I think you're outta tune

This thing's gotta rubber on it