First thing I remember knowin'
was a lonesome whistle blowin'
On a freight train leavin' town,
not knowin' where I'm found,
no one could steer me right
from a family meek and wild
In spite of all my Sunday learning
Towards the bad I kept on turning
Until mama couldn't hold me anymore
And I turned 21 in prison
doing life without parole
No one could steer me right,
Mama tried, Mama tried to raise me better
But her pleading I denied
At least only me to blame,
My dear old daddy, rest his soul
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 21 in prison
doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right,
Mama tried to raise me better
But her fleeting eye denied
That leaves only me to blame,
That leaves only me to blame,
