One Man Mormon Blues Band: Music

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

Because I was a convert to the LDS Church and already in the military when I joined, I never served a mission. But I have sent two boys on missions, and had a number of nephews and family friends serve. So I have pieced together bits and pieces of their experiences in this song. I actually wrote the song about the time my second son left on his mission.

I left on my mission in the summertime
That summer sun was shining, that little girl was mine.
But she and my Bishop and my entire family
Said I had to go be a missionary
So I’m leaving Colorado in a brand new suit and tie
I’m heading on my mission and I’m heading out in style

I reached Provo, Utah and I finally found my bunk
Only served healthy food, I couldn’t find no junk.
I’m finally settled in, hardly even gone,
But by Friday afternoon I had my first dear John.
Now I’m broken hearted, but I know I cannot cry,
‘Cause I’m serving a mission and I’m serving it in style.

When I reached the mission I landed in the street.
Tracting out the infidel hurt feelings aching feet.
They said don’t drink the water the food I cannot eat
The humidity doesn’t get me down as much as the heat.

Now my first companion is a great big jerk
He gets me up at 6:00 AM and wants me to work.
We always read our scriptures. We always have our prayers.
And everything we do we have to do in pairs
We’ve tracted out this city, mile after mile.
I’m serving on a mission and I’m serving with a smile.

Then I had an interview with the mission president
He just shook his head to see what the Lord had sent.
Now I got a transfer to a different zone.
He said we’d talk later ‘cause it didn’t have no phone.
I’m riding on a bus that’s so dirty and vile.
I’m serving on a mission and I’m doing it with style.

Seems the ladies only what it is that they can’t get.
Now I’m on a mission it just really gives me fits.
To think these are the best years of my life.
I feel just like Joseph in with Potiphers wife.

Now I’ve seen the world from a mountain bike.
Haven’t met a person that I didn’t like.
My suit pants are shiny, my shoes have a hole
My tie has a stain and my coat lets in the cold.
Gone into this great big, world, taught and testified.
Going home from my mission and I’m going home in style.

Got home from my mission and things are not the same
My brother stole my clothes I’m scared to death of dames.
Sister’s all have babies, all the girls are wed.
Started work on Monday morning. My folks have sold my bed.

Now I’ve seen the world from a mountain bike.
Haven’t met a person that I didn’t like.
My suit pants are shiny, my shoes have a hole.
My tie has a stain, my coat lets in the cold.
I can’t sit and talk though I’ve been home quite awhile
Heading out on a date and I’m going out it in style.