I’m going down to the mission tonight
to get myself a bed
to lay down my cares a while
and rest my weary head
there’ll be roast to carve
potatoes to peel
but first you’ve gotta kneel
and you gotta hear about Jesus
before you get the meal

I’m going down to the mission tonight
to hear salvation’s power
so my two little boys can be
safe a couple hours
when I hear them golden rules
I feel
all my sorrows can be healed
and we’ll hear about Jesus
before we get the meal

doors open at six o’clock
I’ll be first in line
last week I sat and read the Daily News
I’m listening this time

I’m going down to the mission tonight
to hear that piano play
My empty stomach calls to me
take off your hat and pray
thou shalt not kill
thou shalt not steal
and you gotta hear about Jesus
before you get the meal

(lyrics: Dan Bern)