I Heard That Lonesome Whistle
Johnny Cash Lyrics
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Heading south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Got in trouble, had to roam
Left my gal an' left my home
I heard that lonesome 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 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 the evening 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
Lord, I'm in Georgia doing time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The song "I Heard That Lonesome Whistle" by Johnny Cash tells the story of a young man who leaves his girlfriend and home to venture out into the world. However, due to his lack of experience and maturity, he ends up getting into trouble and is locked up in jail. The lonesome whistle represents the passing time and the loneliness of his situation. He regrets his actions and is filled with shame, crying every time the train passes by. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is coming to terms with the consequences of his actions and is longing for his past life and loved ones.
Through the story told in the song, Cash portrays the universal feeling of regret and the longing for a simpler time. The whistle symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of the consequences of one's actions. The song is a reflection of the human condition and the choices we make, leading us to either success or failure.
Overall, "I Heard That Lonesome Whistle" is a powerful song with simple yet impactful lyrics that capture deep emotions of regret and loneliness.
Line by Line Meaning
I was riding Number Nine
I was on a train, specifically Number Nine
Heading south from Caroline
I was traveling southwards from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard the train whistle, which sounded lonely and desolate
Got in trouble, had to roam
I got into trouble and had to leave my town
Left my gal an' left my home
I had to leave my girlfriend and my home behind
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard the train whistle again, which reminded me of my situation
Just a kid, acting smart
I was young and foolish, thinking I was smarter than I was
I went and broke my darling's heart
I broke my girlfriend's heart by my actions
I guess I was too young to know
I realize now that I was too young to understand the consequences of my actions
They took me off the Georgia Main
I was arrested and taken away from the main community in Georgia
Locked me to a ball and chain
I was imprisoned and physically restrained
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Again, I heard the train whistle and it reminded me of my isolation and helpless situation
All alone, I bear the shame
I am alone and feel embarrassed and guilty about what I did
I'm a number, not a name
In prison, I am identified only by a number, not my name
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I keep hearing the train whistle, which symbolizes my dreary, unchanging existence
All I do is sit an' cry
All I am left with is to sit and cry
When the evening train goes by
When the train passes by in the evening, I hear it and feel even more lonely
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The train whistle echoes through the prison walls and it is all I can hear
I'll be locked here in this cell
I am trapped and will continue to be locked in this cell
'Till my body's just a shell
I will be locked up until I am a frail shell of a person
An' my hair turns whiter than snow
I will spend so much time imprisoned that my hair will turn white
I'll never see that gal of mine
I will never see my girlfriend again
Lord, I'm in Georgia doing time
I am in Georgia serving my prison sentence
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The train whistle once again serves to remind me of my loneliness and despair
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jimmie Davis, Hank Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anonymous
on Wayfaring Stranger
Wayfaring Stranger - The New Appalachians - Lyrics
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world alone
There will be no sickness, toil or danger
In that grand land to which I roam
Well I'm going home to see my mother
I'm going home to a morning rose
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home
Musical Interlude
I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep
And beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed there vigils keep
Well I'm going home to see my brothers
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home
Musical Interlude
I'm going home to see my Father
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I’m only goin’ where no one roams
I want to wear that crown of glory
When I get to that good land
I want to shout out salvation story
In concert with that blood washed band.
I'm going there to see my saviour
I’ll see his face no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home
I'm only goin' over home