I was [d] ridin' number nine
Headin' [g] south from caro-[d] line
I heard that lone-[a7] some whistle [d] blow
Got in trouble had to roam
Left my [g] gal and left my [d] home
I heard that lone-[a7] some whistle [d] blow.

1st refrain
Just a [g] kid actin' smart
I went and [d] broke my darlin's heart
I guess I was too young to [a7] know
They took me [d] off the georgia main
Locked me [g] to a ball and [d] chain

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 ev'nin' train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.

2nd refrain
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 doin' time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.