I heard that lonesome whistle

I was riding number nine

Heading south from Caroline

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I got in trouble had to roam

I left my gal 'n left my home

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid acting smart

I went and broke my darlings heart

I guess I was too young to know

They took me off that 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 that evenin' train goes by

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I'll be locked here in this cell

Till my bodies just a shell

And my hair turns whiter than snow

I'll never see that gal of mine

I'm in Georgia doin' time

I herd that lonesome whistle blow