"Inspiration" — Rulebook Rock mp3

Hey friends! Here's the first of the three new songs I'm releasing for the Rulebook Rock EP, coming next month. I won't be creating music videos for these, but they'll be distributed to streaming platforms.

Rulebook Rock is inspired by Schoolhouse Rock, an educational children's musical program from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. This particular song is based on Interjections and features my bard character Clover.

Lyrics

The monster had some crazy AC, uh huh huh
The Cleric cried out to the bard, "help me!"
The bard knew the right fix
And gave her a d6
She played a song and gave her some Inspiration!

Hey! You’re doing great!

Wow! You dominate!

Bam! He’s got some gall — kick that monster in his balls!

Inspiration! (Hey!) for attack rolls! (Wow!) saves and skill checks! (Bam!)
You may choose to use it once you’ve rolled but not once the DM’s made a call
That’s too late, be sure you’re on the ball.

A bonus action’s all a bard needs, uh huh huh
To help inspire listeners’ deeds
And for an encore
Whenever you need more
One long rest will charge a bard’s Inspiration

Gosh! You’ll win for sure!

Oh! Give ‘em what-for!

Ouch! That’s gotta hurt! Dibs on that guy’s chainmail shirt!

Inspiration! (Gosh!) for attack rolls! (Oh!) saves and skill checks! (Ouch!)
You may choose to use it once you’ve rolled but not once the DM’s made a call
That’s too late, be sure you’re on the ball.

So when you’re grappled (Aah!) or prone (Aww!)
Then don’t feel (Hey!) alone (Yeah!)
When you’re making (Whoa!) attacks (Hiyah!)
Your friendly party bard has got your back!

When you hear an encouraging rhyme, uh-huh-huh,
Make sure that you use it in ti-ime.
When ten minutes goes by
Say goodbye to that die
It’s too bad you can’t stockpile Inspiration!

Aw! You waited too long!

Darn! I’ll have to sing another song!

Huzzah! That’s quite alright. I live for the spotlight!

Inspiration! (Aw!) for attack rolls! (Darn!) saves and skill checks! (Huzzah!)
You may choose to use it once you’ve rolled but not once the DM’s made a call
That’s too late, be sure you’re on the ball.

And when their levels (Ooh!) increase (Yay!)
You’ll get a d8 (Wow!) apiece (Hurray!)
And when they reach level ten (Woo!)
The bonus die gets bigger once again!

Inspiration! (Hey!) for attack rolls! (Wow!) saves and skill checks! (Huzzah!)
It’s not the kind your DM gives you, even though they share a name!
Pretty confusing way to write a game.

Inspiration for attack rolls! Saves and skill checks!
Inspiration! Inspiration! Inspiration!

Thank you! Thank you! I’ll be here all week. I accept tips in the form of gold and yes, even platinum. I’ll be at the stage door after the show if you want an autograph or to lavish praise upon me. I also accept interview requests but you must purchase a backstage “Town Crier” pass to…