I was ridin' Number Nine   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 actin' smart   I went and broke my darlin'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 and cry   When the ev'ning 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 the snow   I'll never see that gal of mine   Lord, I'm in Georgia, doin' time   I heard that lonesome whistle blow