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