I was riding number nine
Heading 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 lone some 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 ev'nin' train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
I'll be locked here in this cell
Til 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.