I was riding number nine
Heading south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I got in trouble had to roam
I left my gal 'n left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Just a kid acting smart
I went and broke my darlings heart
I guess I was too young to know
They took me off that 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 that evenin' train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I'll be locked here in this cell
Till my bodies just a shell
And my hair turns whiter than snow
I'll never see that gal of mine
I'm in Georgia doin' time
I herd that lonesome whistle blow