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 ev'ning 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 the snow I'll never see that gal of mine Lord, I'm in Georgia, doin' time I heard that lonesome whistle blow