I was riding Number Nine
Headin' south from Carolin'
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 actin' 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 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 and cry
When the evenin' train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow


I'll 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 doing time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow