I was ridin' number nine

Headin' south from Caroline

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Got in trouble, had to roam

Left my gal and left my home

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid actin' smart

I went and broke my darlin's heart

I guess I was too young to know

They took me off the Georgia Main

Locked me to a ball and chain

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

All alone I bear the shame

I'm a number not a name

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

All I do is sit and cry

When the evenin' train goes by

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I'll be locked here in this cell

Till my body's just a shell

And my hair turns whiter than snow

I'll never see that gal of mine

Lord, I'm in Georgia doin' time

I heard that lonesome whistle blow