I was ridin' No 9 headin' south from Caroline
I heard that lone-woa-woa-some whistle blow
I got in trouble had to roam I left my gal and left my home
I heard that lone-woa-woa-some whistle blow

Just a kid acting 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 lone-woa-woa-some whistle blow

All alone I bear the shame I'm a number not a name
I heard that lone-woa-woa-some whistle blow
All I do is sit and cry when that evenin' train goes by
I heard that lone-woa-woa-some whistle blow

I'll be locked here in this cell till 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 doin' time
I heard that lone-woa-woa-some whistle blow