I was riding number 9, heading south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blowin'
I got in trouble, had to roam, left my gal and left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blowin'
Just a kid acting 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 blowin'
All alone I bear the shame, I'm a number not a name
I heard that lonesome whistle blowin'
All I do is sit and cry when that evening train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blowin'
All 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 blowin'
I heard that lonesome whistle blowin'