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.