I Heard That Lonesome Whistle

I was ridin' No. 9
Headin' south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Got in trouble had to roam
I left my friends and left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid acting smart
I went and broke my darling's heart
I guess I was too young to know

They took me off to Georgia Main
They 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 evening train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I'll be locked here in this cell
Until my body's just a shell
And my hair turns whiter than snow

I'll never see that gal of mine
Lord, I'm in Georgia doing time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow