I was riding number nine
Heading South from Caraloine
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I got in trouble, had to roam
I left my gal an' left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid, actin' smart
I went and broke my darling'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 an' cry
When that 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
An' my hair turns whiter than snow

I'll never see that gal of mine
I'm in Georgia, doin' time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow