I Heard That Lonesome Whistle Blow

I was riding number nine

Heading South from Caraloine

I heard that lonesome whistle blow



I got in trouble, had to roam

I 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 sit an' cry

When that 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

I'm in Georgia, doin' time

I heard that lonesome whistle blow