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.

--- Instrumental ---

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...