The Momma 'n' Daddy Collection 30

I'm continuing with the Merle Haggard theme begun here a couple of days ago, because I find that to date I haven't yet featured Merle in the Momma 'n' Daddy series. To my embarrassment and shame. What could I have been thinking of? Of what, even, could I have been thinking? To start putting things right, today I bring you 'Mama Tried':

First thing I remember knowing
Was a lonesome whistle blowing
And a young un's dream of growing up to ride;
On a freight train leaving town,
Not knowing where I'm bound,
No one could change my mind but Mama tried.
One and only rebel child
From a family meek and mild.
My Mama seemed to know what lay in store.
Despite all my Sunday learning,
Towards the bad I kept on turning
'Til 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 only me to blame 'cos Mama tried.

Instrumental break.

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.

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 'cos Mama tried.

And that, I would say, is conclusive. Not just life, but life without parole. So you listen to your Mom, right, no messing. (Hat tip: Alan A.)

[The Momma 'n' Daddy Archive, containing all the details of the series, is here.]