[Verse 1]
D
I was ridin' Number Nine,
G D
Headin' south from Caroline.
A7 D
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
Got in trouble, had to roam,
G D
Left my gal an' left my home.
A7 D
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
[Verse 2]
G
Just a kid, actin' smart,
D
I went and broke my darling's heart,
A7
I guess I was too young to know.
D
They took me off the Georgia Main,
G D
Locked me to a ball and chain.
A7 D
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
[Verse 3]
D
All alone I bear the shame,
G D
I'm a number, not a name.
A7 D
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
All I do is set [sic] an' cry
G D
When the evenin' train goes by.
A7 D
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.
[Verse 4]
G
I'll be locked here in this cell
D
Till my body's just a shell
A7
An' my hair turns whiter than snow.
D
I'll never see that gal of mine.
G D
Lord, I'm in Georgia doin' time.
A7
