I was ridin' no 9, headin' 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 that evening 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, 'cause I'm in Georgia doing time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow