I need a battle theme for my bard!

[Kizara]

So, I have this character I'm starting tomarrow who is a half-celestial viking bard/ftr.

It's a pretty awesome character that I'm looking forward to playing, but I'd like something suitably awesome for her to sing. Unfortunately, I am not that much of a musicophile, and I generally just listen to the bands I like and not branch out much; so I'm hoping to get some help here.

What I'm looking for:

- It has to be really rousing and fairly aggressive, the kind of thing you chant right before or during a fight.
- Preferably a female vocalist, but I can adapt/use my imagination if the song is good enough.
-Not death metal, as I can't see that being sung by her voice.
- Does not have to be using period-instruments, although this is a bonus. Again, imagination can work here.
-Any references to vikings, battle, angels or the like is a big bonus.


If you are unsure what you want to suggest is what I'm looking for, feel free to post it anyways; I'll be sure to give you feedback.

Thanks in advance for any help, this forum is always so useful for these sorts of things.

[DementedFellow]

"One little, two little, three little goblins" singing that as she hacks through them. Sure you can change goblins to whatever you are looking for.

"We're off to kill the bad guys and blow them out of the sky
If we should miss then you can kiss all of our friends back there goodbye
But you can be certain we'll kill the foe by striking the blow that lays them low
Because because because I know!! There's only one way to end this show!"

I'm sure this could work with some proper work:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMrN3Rh55uM

[Kizara]

"One little, two little, three little goblins" singing that as she hacks through them. Sure you can change goblins to whatever you are looking for.

"We're off to kill the bad guys and blow them out of the sky
If we should miss then you can kiss all of our friends back there goodbye
But you can be certain we'll kill the foe by striking the blow that lays them low
Because because because I know!! There's only one way to end this show!"

I'm sure this could work with some proper work:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMrN3Rh55uM

Ok, I love the guild, and their music videos, but this isn't really appropriate.

For one thing, its not really about combat (aside from a few lines), for another its a parody. I mean, it certinally is awesome, but I'm looking for something a little more RAWR and less hilarity.

Thanks for the contribution, it gave me an excuse to watch that video again, and that's never a bad thing. :)

[Vladislav]

Eye of the Tiger and I need a Hero come to mind instantly for some reason.

[Elric VIII]

Jethro Tull - The Third Hoorah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA3M6lNX21U)

Scandal - The Warrior (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIDaBF8LILk&feature=related)

Heart - The Wolf (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVSQTiU4xIQ)

Rush - Jacob's Ladder (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkwhHOjv-4)

I hop these types of songs are what you meant.

[Elric VIII]

Blue Oyster Cult - Black Blade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCxL3-Fl7bM)

Forgot this one.

[Kizara]

Eye of the Tiger and I need a Hero come to mind instantly for some reason.

While not what I was thinking of, I can see why you thought of them.

I actually hadn't heard I need a Hero before, its fairly applicable here, or at least for certain situations. Certinally will be added to the 'songbook'.


Thank you for your contribution, if you think of anything else please post it.

[DementedFellow]

Alright so the first thing went bust.

How about this gem from the Brak Show:

Thundercleese - War Is Good For Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUuAaeJaZ7c)

Including LYRICS~

War is my profession! War is my obsession!
Nothing I like better than a violent intersession!
Blood must be spilled! Thick enough to swim in
As I hear the lamentations Of my conquered foes' women!
War! It's good for me!
What's my name? "Thundercleese!"
War! It's good for me!
What's my name? "Thundercleese!"
You want a battle? Take this!
It's come to my attention that you have no aggression!
No time for second guessing! You need a secret weapon! Away!

It's a bit more manly than Game On. And a woman could sing it. Just change the Thundercleese part with the character's name.

[Kizara]

Blue Oyster Cult - Black Blade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCxL3-Fl7bM)

Forgot this one.

Not exactly, altough I enjoyed this one in particular.


I suppose I should've given some examples in my OP of what I've found that comes close, but isn't quite suitable:

Leaves Eyes -Elegy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNgOJDL9iyQ) The problem here is context: she is morning over a fallen warrior, not calling to battle.

Manowar - Sons of Odin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d47gTUNY86k) Not rousing enough, and more telling of a tale of battle then calling one to arms. Still, one of the best I've found.

And of course, Manowar - Call to Arms (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1WS_n4_fy8&feature=related). This is basically perfect, but I was interested in seeing what others came up with.

[HerrTenko]

How about "Kill, kill, kill, kill the ugly goblins"? :elan:

[GoodbyeSoberDay]

Not a huge filk fan myself, but this might work, since it's about killin' stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCrnF844_ww

[Kizara]

Alright so the first thing went bust.

How about this gem from the Brak Show:

Thundercleese - War Is Good For Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUuAaeJaZ7c)

Including LYRICS~

War is my profession! War is my obsession!
Nothing I like better than a violent intersession!
Blood must be spilled! Thick enough to swim in
As I hear the lamentations Of my conquered foes' women!
War! It's good for me!
What's my name? "Thundercleese!"
War! It's good for me!
What's my name? "Thundercleese!"
You want a battle? Take this!
It's come to my attention that you have no aggression!
No time for second guessing! You need a secret weapon! Away!

It's a bit more manly than Game On. And a woman could sing it. Just change the Thundercleese part with the character's name.

This made me laugh. I don't know if I'll use it for this character, but I'm CERTAIN I will for a less-serious campaign at some point, as that's pretty awesome.

War is good for me! :P

[Achernar]

"Sahti Waari" by Turisas is played forever by the nameless Bard in the corner whenever a truly epic battle begins where I'm from...

[Shyftir]

The Final Countdown! (Sorry its basically my obligatory answer to "what song should I use questions.)

A few old Irish Rebel songs might work well, they are generally rousing and can be pulled off with "period" instruments.

[Nanoblack]

I find that the heavier types of rock invoke the more war-friendly emotions in people, so while the whole song might not be something you'd want to sing, perhaps taking little snippets from songs would preserve your badassery while still avoiding the death metal sound.

Some of my favorites:

"Take this life, I'm right here! Stay awhile and breathe me in!"
-Take this life, In Flames

(This one is a little mixed for appropriateness)"It's not that complicated and you ain't gotta believe
They'll put me down in a hole before I let you succeed
I've never been complacent, I can't afford to be
I know you think you're special but you ain't nothin'
Hope I'm on the list of people that you hate
It's time you met the monster that you have helped create!"
-Meet the Monster, Five Finger Death Punch

(Good for when you have an army)
"We fight until no one can fight us
We live, and no one can stop us
We pull when we're pushed too far
And the advantage is
The bottom line is
We never, had to fight in the first place
We only, had to spit back at their face
We won't, walk alone any longer
What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger
We-we are the new diabolic
We-we are the bitter bucolic
If I have to give my life you can have it
Say it again say it again (we won't die)(x4)"
-Pulse of the Maggots, Slipknot

(Another good one for war marching)
"You're here because
You're one of us
We are the strength
We are the soldiers
You've conquered pain
You've conquered fear
Stand proud and salute
The bloodied flag here
We fear not our mortality
We'll serve to the best of our ability
We give our lives to our masters
We vow to smite our enemies"
-The Gears, Dethklok

P.S. Sorry if this post is too long, but I get very enthusiastic when music is involved.

P.P.S. Also sorry if none of this interests you...

[Elric VIII]

Let's try again. What I'm getting is something along the lines of a lament or song of vengeance, right?

Blue Oyster Cult - The Pact (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csfl0GKRhio)

Jethro Tull - Broadsword (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIaPIy4Mddg)

Jethro Tull - Cold Wind to Valhalla (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgh6V-kXnv4)

Jethro Tull - Coronach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myHIwd2gVFM) I'm not sure how well this would work, but a Coronach is a Norse dirge.

Judas Priest - Blood Red Skies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtnW8w3e-7Q) This could take some imagination to make it fit.

[Kizara]

Not a huge filk fan myself, but this might work, since it's about killin' stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCrnF844_ww

Positively Excellent.

Thank you very much; nice artist also.

Achernar:

That is really epic. I don't know if it works for this character, but I love it, and appreciate you introducing me to it.

[GoodbyeSoberDay]

The Final Countdown! (Sorry its basically my obligatory answer to "what song should I use questions.)Whenever anyone mentions The Final Countdown I think of this wonderful cover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkMWdI2IKiw), and now you shall as well.

[Kizara]

I find that the heavier types of rock invoke the more war-friendly emotions in people, so while the whole song might not be something you'd want to sing, perhaps taking little snippets from songs would preserve your badassery while still avoiding the death metal sound.

Some of my favorites:

"Take this life, I'm right here! Stay awhile and breathe me in!"
-Take this life, In Flames

(This one is a little mixed for appropriateness)"It's not that complicated and you ain't gotta believe
They'll put me down in a hole before I let you succeed
I've never been complacent, I can't afford to be
I know you think you're special but you ain't nothin'
Hope I'm on the list of people that you hate
It's time you met the monster that you have helped create!"
-Meet the Monster, Five Finger Death Punch

(Good for when you have an army)
"We fight until no one can fight us
We live, and no one can stop us
We pull when we're pushed too far
And the advantage is
The bottom line is
We never, had to fight in the first place
We only, had to spit back at their face
We won't, walk alone any longer
What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger
We-we are the new diabolic
We-we are the bitter bucolic
If I have to give my life you can have it
Say it again say it again (we won't die)(x4)"
-Pulse of the Maggots, Slipknot

(Another good one for war marching)
"You're here because
You're one of us
We are the strength
We are the soldiers
You've conquered pain
You've conquered fear
Stand proud and salute
The bloodied flag here
We fear not our mortality
We'll serve to the best of our ability
We give our lives to our masters
We vow to smite our enemies"
-The Gears, Dethklok

P.S. Sorry if this post is too long, but I get very enthusiastic when music is involved.

P.P.S. Also sorry if none of this interests you...

Very good lyrics; I will definately keep them in mind and likely use them at some point.

[DementedFellow]

Whenever anyone mentions The Final Countdown I think of this wonderful cover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkMWdI2IKiw), and now you shall as well.

The only time that should be used in battle is when you want to hurt the foes, not bolster your troops. Swords and shields aren't effective when the fighters drop them and place their hands over their ears.

[Radar]

If metal is applicable, then "40 to 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epeQwq-aYV0)" from Sabaton IMO would be better then Manowar.

Different genres give us:
1. The epitome of pre-battle taunting. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhTRhAX_QBA)
2. This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgtTapXGWXA&feature=related) actually was sung right before the charge.
3. It might be not adaptable to a typical fantasy setting, but: this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFxiMz3w2sM) and this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bOhI-P6de4).

edit: also this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIKzo_6CHhA&feature=related).

[Kizara]

Let's try again. What I'm getting is something along the lines of a lament or song of vengeance, right?

Blue Oyster Cult - The Pact (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csfl0GKRhio)

Jethro Tull - Broadsword (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIaPIy4Mddg)

Jethro Tull - Cold Wind to Valhalla (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgh6V-kXnv4)

Jethro Tull - Coronach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myHIwd2gVFM) I'm not sure how well this would work, but a Coronach is a Norse dirge.

Judas Priest - Blood Red Skies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtnW8w3e-7Q) This could take some imagination to make it fit.

The Broadsword moved me, and I really could see it her performing it.

I liked Cold Wind as well, although not to the same extent.

Coronach is a very moving lament, although not really for a fallen warrior or the like. Still, a wonderful song.

I enjoyed Blood Red Skies quite a bit, but I don't think I'll use it for this purpose.

Thanks for trying again.

[Iferus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH2_FnGCqx0

Something like that?

[Kizara]

If metal is applicable, then "40 to 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epeQwq-aYV0)" from Sabaton IMO would be better then Manowar.

Different genres give us:
1. The epitome of pre-battle taunting. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhTRhAX_QBA)
2. This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgtTapXGWXA&feature=related) actually was sung right before the charge.
3. It might be not adaptable to a typical fantasy setting, but: this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFxiMz3w2sM) and this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bOhI-P6de4).

edit: also this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIKzo_6CHhA&feature=related).

40:1 holy *** is that epic. Its not as directly applicable as manowar's stuff here, but its really awesome, and it definatelly got added to the songbook.

Queen: Well of course, but I mean its so overused at this point I don't know if I could use it seriously.

Mother of God: Very interesting! and a great addition, although the actual context is not really appropriate, the feeling behind the song is perfect, and its great just for the sound and mood it strikes.

Origa - I'm sure I'll use it sometime in the future, just a great tune. As you say, not sure how adaptable, but we'll see. I heard this before somewhere and loved it, but never knew the song name, so thank you very much for the link.

Enya- I was surpirzed to see her with the other tracks, and at first was skeptical, but then I realized its actually really handy for her to have something to hum! So, thank you again.

Great contributions.

[drakir_nosslin]

Any references to vikings, battle, angels or the like is a big bonus.

Well, for the Viking theme pretty much anything by Stormwarrior will do, here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ot4WRHeznE) an example, lyrics below.

The nighte hath begun
The moon's arms embrace thee
Now thy time hath come
Wanderer's victim of bloode
Thy flame will be burned out
to tame his wrathe

The blade awaits thee, thy
back shalle be slit
The bloode-dripping
lobe of thy lunges
Builde a pair of wings

Delivered to Odinn
(Bloode eagle)
The Spearmaster's offeringe
(Bloode eagle)
The Raven God's sacrifice
(Bloode eagle)
The course of an ancient rite
(Bloode eagle)

Torches of deathe lighte the nighte
Thou art broughte to the tent
Thy laste brink to have
As thou leaveth this place
Soaked by the bloode,
magic spells are cast

The blade awaits thee, thy
back shalle be slit
The bloode-dripping
lobe of thy lunges
Builde a pair of wings

Delivered to Odinn
(Bloode eagle)
The Spearmaster's offeringe
(Bloode eagle)
The Raven God's sacrifice
(Bloode eagle)
The course of an ancient rite
(Bloode eagle)

Sabaton has also made a viking themed song, Swedish Pagans (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQqNinVHN7k).

Bring Me Everyone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm1J4RPxxS8) by Mustasch is also a wonderful song when you need to rise your spirits!

EDIT: And the lyrics.
I hate to be in love
I don´t like being fine
When I´m at worst
Is when I really feel alive
And I can´t stand to see
You happy people smile
Cause I´m a killer
I would love to make you cry

Bring Me Everyone
I need to hurt someone
I´ll give you love, then I turn you down
My work here, it´s done

They say I´m psycho
And should be put behind bars
That I am damaged
And my soul is full of scars
You shiny people
You should never come this far
Cause I´m a killer
I got murder in my heart

Bring Me Everyone...

Ringing bells in the sky
Is this the bringer of light
No, you fools, it is I
Run for cover or die

Tell me what you think and I might be able to find some more depending on what you like...

[Ravens_Wing]

Personally if you are playing a viking themed bard I cant think of any song better than Valhalla (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ_VFJn2kJM&feature=related) by Blind Guardian.

here are lyrics
High in the sky where eagles fly Morgray the dark enters the throne

Open wide the gate friend the king will come
Blow the horn and praise the highest lord
Who'll bring the dawn he's a new god in the palace of steel
Persuade the fate of everyone The chaos can begin let it in

[Lead:Andre]

[Bridge:(Kai Hansen)]
So many centuries, so many gods
We were the prisoners of our own fantasy
But now we are marching against these gods
I'm the wizard, I'll change it all

[Ref:]
Valhalla - Deliverance
Why've you ever forgotten me [2x]

[Solo:Andre]

Magic is in me
I'm the last magic man
Never found what I was looking for
Now I found it but it's lost

The fortress burns
Broken my heart
I leave this world
All gods are gone

[Bridge:(Kai Hansen)]
So many centuries, so many gods
We were the prisoners of our own fantasy
But then we had nothing to lead our life
No, no, we can't live without Gods

[Ref:] Valhalla...

[Thurbane]

If you like hard rock/metal, I could recommend Rock Goddess:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7BLbHN8NcI