(I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle

I was riding Number Nine

Heading south from Caroline

I heard that lonesome whistle blowGot in trouble, had to roam

Left my gal an' left my home

I heard that lonesome whistle blowJust a kid, acting smart

I went and broke my darling's heart

I guess I was too young to knowThey took me off the Georgia Main

Locked me to a ball and chain

I heard that lonesome whistle blowAll alone, I bear the shame

I'm a number, not a name

I heard that lonesome whistle blowAll I do is sit an' cry

When the evening train goes by

I heard that lonesome whistle blowI'll be locked here in this cell

'Till my body's just a shell

An' my hair turns whiter than snowI'll never see that gal of mine

Lord, I'm in Georgia doing time

I heard that lonesome whistle blow