I was riding number nine
Heading South from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I got in trouble, had to roam
Had to leave my gal and home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Just a kid, acting smart
I went and broke my darling's heart
I guess I was a too young to know
They took me off the Georgia Main
And tied me to a ball and chain
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All alone I bear this shame
Well, I'm a number, not a name
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All I do is sit and cry
When the evening train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I'll be locked here in this cell
Until my body's just a shell
And my hair turns white as the snow
I'll never see that gal of mine
Cause I'm in Georgia, doing time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard that lonesome whistle blow