I was ridin' Number Nine
Headin' south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I got in trouble, I 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' heart
I guess I was, 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

I'll be locked here in this cell
'Til my body's just a shell
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid actin' smart
I went and broke my darlin' heart
I guess I was, I was too young to know
I'll never see that gal of mine
I'm in Georgia, doin' time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I heard that lonesome whistle blow