This song is based on a D&D campaign I've got going with a handful of my friends. I realize the concept might polarize some of the judges. Hopefully we can get past that right away and imagine this is a song from an animated musical feature about an adventure/fantasy story.
Luckily, you shouldn't need much background information on our characters to get the song. We've had a couple little adventures that are covered in 2 previous songs on my "D&D Songs" album on Bandcamp, if you really must have some background.
There's a Bard (Goerfeldt), A pirate (Capt. Fairbourne Silverfish), a Rogue/Assassin (Red), and a new companion we just met on the road; A dwarf by the name of Ulf.
Let's talk about what kind of "I want" song I went with, first;
This is THE I want song, (from Goerfeldt's perspective, at least) disguised as a general "I want" song. Goerfeldt tells us a bit about himself and his dreams of riches. He then allows each of his companions a chance to introduce themselves and their goals/desires in a fun little singalong. The entire time, the chorus keeps coming back to Goerfeldt's real goal and character arc; Keeping his little ragtag team of adventurers together, lest he be left alone once again.
There are a lot of slight musical changes when we go from character to character, and a bit of dialogue/exposition thrown in to really make it FEEL like a Disney musical. It didn't come out exactly the way I had envisioned it, but I kind of set my own expectations a little high this time around. I took a lot of inspiration from Mulan, Little Shop of Horrors, and Fiddler On The Roof here, though I'm not sure how obvious any of that is.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if "A Girl Worth Fighting For" from Mulan was hiding Tevye's "If I Were A Rich Man" inside it? That's kind of what I'm going for here.
I may be over-explaining the song now, so just give it a listen, and hopefully it's not TOO out-there of an idea.
I hope you like it.
lyrics
GOERFELDT (Singing):
When I first left the circus.
I had no-where to go.
In search of fame and riches,
I dreamed of starting my own show.
But then I met YOU reprobates,
and now I think I know.
That if we keep this band together,
Our fortune's sure to grow.
ULF:
So, you're circus performers, then?
RED:
Ew, no.
SILVERFISH:
Do I LOOK Like a circus performer to you?
Let me educate ya'.
SILVERFISH (Singing):
The name is Fairborne Silverfish,
The law want me in jail.
But keep that name under your hat;
Dead dwarves tell no tales.
When we get paid, you're on your own,
I'll steal a ship and bail.
GOERFELDT (Singing):
But if we KEEP THIS BAND TOGETHER,
There'll be no ocean you can't sail!
(Chorus)
So let's keep the band together
We'll keep the law off of your tail
If we keep the band together,
There'll be no ocean we can't sail.
ULF (Singing):
Ulf; son of Rowf of Wolfsbrauen,
I'm out on my epic walk.
I help those who need helping
Chat with folks who want to talk.
Discussing recipes with distilleries
Across the land, and around the clock
GOERFELDT (Singing):
And if we KEEP THIS BAND TOGETHER,
You'll have plenty ale in Stock!
GOERFELDT:
Alright, Red. It's your turn!
RED:
Um, hard "pass" for me.
GOERFELDT:
Come on, it'll be fun. We all went.
RED: Alright, if it'll get you off my back.
RED (singing):
My name, well, you can call me Red.
Why I'm here, I'll try explain.
I guess it's more to kill my boredom
than it is for financial gain.
If I weren't here, then these idiots
would get themselves killed or maimed.
GOERFELDT (Singing):
But if we KEEP THIS BAND TOGETHER,
We'll keep you entertained!
(Chorus)
So let's keep the band together
though we may be a bit insane
If we keep the band together,
We'll be always entertained
We've been together just a few short days,
But it feels like it's been years,
So when Freya and Goat went off on their own,
My eyes welled up with tears.
But with every dawn, the show must go on,
Drown our woes in gold and beers,
And if we keep this band together,
we'll have nothing left to fear.
So let's keep the band together!
Drown our woes in gold and beer,
If we keep this band together,
we'll have nothing left to fear.
RED:
I think now's the time to set up camp for the night.
GOERFELDT:
Sounds good, team. I'll keep the first watch tonight. You guys just get some rest, and we'll head out at sunrise.
GOERFELDT (Singing);
I've not felt this close to anyone
in, well, god knows how long.
I'm not much in a fight, but this feels so right,
It couldn't possibly be wrong.
They've saved my hide a couple times,
and they like my silly songs,
And if we keep this band together,
I'll have someplace I belong.
credits
from D&D Songs,
released March 2, 2020
Lyrics & Music by Bobby Matheson,
All parts performed by Bobby Matheson except;
Milly Matheson as Red
So much cleverness and originality in this album. Funny songs, sweet songs, songs about pronouns, and the lack of pockets in women's clothing. Really a little something for everyone. "BucketHat" Bobby Matheson
My favorite album through most of highschool and college. I will never stop recommending this album. This album is peak music. I just don't think music gets any better than this album. LISTEN TO IT. "BucketHat" Bobby Matheson
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