I was ridin' Number Nine,
Headin' south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Got in trouble, had to roam,
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 set [sic] an' cry
When the 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
Lord, I'm in Georgia doin' time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow