I was riding number nine Heading south from Caroline I heard that loh-oh-oh-nesome whistle blow I got a trouble, had to roam I left my gal, I left my home I heard that loh-oh-oh-nesome 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 Locked me to a ball and chain I heard that loh-oh-oh-nesome whistle blow All alone, I bear the shame I'm a number, not a name I heard that loh-oh-oh-nesome whistle blow All I do is sit and cry When that evening train goes by I heard that loh-oh-oh-nesome whistle blow I'll be locked here in this cell 'til my body's just a shell And my hair turns whiter than snow I'll never see that gal of mine I'm in Georgia doing time I heard that loh-oh-oh-nesome whistle blow