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'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