Mama Tried lyrics

Song information

Artist: Grateful Dead
Album: Grateful Dead Live

Lyrics

The first I remember knowin' was that lonesome whistle blowin'
And a youngin's dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' 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 learnin'
For the bad I kept on turnin' and mama couldn't hold me anymore

And I turned 21 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 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
Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
Oh she tried to raise me right, but I refused

And I turned 21 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 no one but me to blame cause mama tried

[from http://lyrics.doheth.co.uk]

"Grateful Dead Live" album track list