I was ridin' No 9 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 lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid acting smart I went and broke my darling's heart

I guess I was too young to know

They took me off to 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 evening train goes by

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I'll be locked here in this cell till 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 doing time

I heard that lonesome whistle blow