I was ridin' number nine
Headin' south bound to Carolina
When I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Got in trouble, I had to run
Left my gal an' left my home
I hear that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid, actin' smart
Went and broke my darling's heart
I guess I was too young to know

They took me off the Georgia train
Locked me to a ball and chain
I hear that lonesome whistle blow

All alone, I bear the shame
I'm just a number, not a name
I hear that lonesome whistle blow

And all I do is sit an' cry
Till that evenin' train goes by
I hear that lonesome whistle blow

Well, I'm 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 stuck in Georgia doin' time
I hear that lonesome whistle blow

Well, I'm locked here in this cell
Till my body's just a shell
My hair turns white as the snow

I'll never see that gal of mine
I'm stuck in Georgia, doin' time
I hear that lonesome whistle blow
I hear that lonesome whistle blow
I hear that lonesome whistle blow