[tempo starts: 80 BPM, accordion and fiddle play a jaunty intro] [drumbeat enters: steady and rhythmic, with a lighthearted bounce] **(Verse 1)** [accordion leads, vocals playful and teasing] Oh, we set the table, the maps were drawn, The dice were ready, the snacks were gone. But where’s our mate? They’ve disappeared, Their chair sits empty, their fate unclear! [fiddle joins: lively, weaving between the vocals] They swore they’d come, they sent a note, But now we’re adrift without their boat. Their character sheet? It’s lost at sea, And their dice? Forgotten, like their memory! **(Chorus)** [all instruments swell, vocals loud and boisterous] Oh, where did they go? Nobody knows! They’re here one day, then off they blow! They’re a fleeting breeze, a ghostly sight, But when they’re here, it’s pure delight! **(Verse 2)** [fiddle takes the lead, playful and jaunty] They stumble in, an hour too late, With a half-eaten sandwich upon their plate. “I forgot my dice!” they loudly cry, “Can I borrow yours? I’ll give it a try!” [accordion and drum fill: quick, comedic roll] Their rogue is sneaky, their bard’s a flirt, But they’ve spilled their drink on the DM’s shirt. They roll a one, they laugh and cheer, For chaos reigns when they appear! **(Chorus)** [all instruments return, fuller and more raucous] Oh, where did they go? Nobody knows! They’re here one day, then off they blow! They’re a fleeting breeze, a ghostly sight, But when they’re here, it’s pure delight! **(Bridge)** [accordion drops out, vocals slow and reflective, with soft fiddle and guitar] Oh, they’re the one who brings the fun, Though they vanish before the quest is done. Their stories wild, their laughter grand, A fleeting joy, like footprints in sand. [tempo builds gradually, instruments layering back in] For every tale needs a spark of madness, A touch of chaos, a dash of gladness. And though they’re gone, we raise a cheer, For the times they’ve joined us, brief but dear. **(Final Chorus)** [all instruments return, louder and more celebratory] Oh, where did they go? Nobody knows! They’re here one day, then off they blow! They’re a fleeting breeze, a ghostly sight, But when they’re here, it’s pure delight! [tempo slows dramatically, vocals exaggerated and drawn out] Where… did… they… gooooo? [tempo suddenly jumps back up, full band stomping and clapping] Nobody knooooows! **(Outro)** [fiddle and accordion trade playful riffs, fading out gradually] So here’s to the mate who comes and goes, With tales of dragons or maybe crows. For every game needs a touch of flair, And we’re just glad when they’re even there. [end with a final accordion flourish and a hearty laugh from the crew] ---
