There was a brand new stranger at the old bus station He said Music City is my destination He said The whole wide world's gonna sing my song And you can take that to the bank I'm on a mission I'm on a mission I'm on a mission from Hank He got a furnished room and a job at the market He kept a little notebook in his back pocket And every time you'd see him he was writing a song And he would never leave one piece blank (he'd say) I'm on a mission I'm on a mission I'm on a mission from Hank He sang when no one would listen So he sang until they hung on every word Ah then one day his phone started ringing They said we want you and the songs you've been singing And the kid said fine, just give me some time To talk to my patron saint (you see) I'm on a mission I'm on a mission I'm on a mission from Hank (Yes sir,) That night as he laid in the darkness Ol' Luke the drifter came to him and said Oh now here's your chance boy go on and take it You sing from the heart and you're gonna make it But if anybody tries to change you Into something that you ain't (you tell 'em) I'm on a mission I'm on a mission I'm on a mission from Hank I'm on a mission I'm on a mission I'm on a mission from Hank