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