I was ridin` Number Nine,
Headin` south from Caroline.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
Got in trouble, had to roam,
Left my gal an` left my home.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
Just a kid, actin` smart,
I went and broke my darling`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 set [sic] an` cry
When the evenin` train goes by.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.

I`ll be locked here in this cell
Till my body`s just a shell
An` 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.