I was riding number nine Heading South from Caraloine I heard that lonesome whistle blow I got in trouble, had to roam I 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 sit an' cry When that 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 I'm in Georgia, doin' time I heard that lonesome whistle blow