Ballad of the Six String Samurai

[Intro] [Lesson and Lore] Listen close, folks — the wasteland’s wide, [Bad Elvis Accent] And the King of Vegas? He up and died. Now the throne sits empty in the neon night, And only one man’s got the walk — and the might. Name’s Buddy. Sword on his back, six‑string in hand. He’s headin’ for Vegas to reclaim the land. But the road is mean, and the path ain’t kind, So you’re gonna help him outta each bind. When the heat comes down and he’s forced to stand, You shout the words that keep him grand: “Buddy keep Playin’! Buddy keep Playin’!” — that’s how he wins the fight. “Buddy keep Walkin’! Buddy keep Walkin’!” — that keeps his path right. Learn those lines, hold ’em tight in your chest, ’Cause the road to Vegas don’t give a man rest. Now the dust starts risin’ and the shadows creep in… Let the tale of the Six String Samurai begin. [Verse 1] [The Ambush: Slow and dusty tone, with a smooth delivery] Buddy hits the highway, sun burnin’ low, Boots on the blacktop, steady and slow. Bandits in the ruins think they’ve got him tonight— Rust‑bit blades glintin’ in the glaring light. They circle in close, ready to stake their claim, But Buddy just sighs and adjusts his frame. Pushes up his glasses with a calm, slow hand— That’s when the trouble learns where it stands. [Refrain 1] [Narrator answered by the crowd] Steel starts flyin’ when they crowd him tight— *Buddy keep Playin’! Buddy keep Playin’!* Dust clears around him, and he’s still upright— *Buddy keep Walkin’! Buddy keep Walkin’!* [Verse 2] [The Boy: a low wailing tone joins the song] Further down the highway, smoke stains the sky, Buddy finds a Boy with a tear‑streaked eye. Family gone, danger close behind— But Buddy ain’t the leavin’ kind. The kid tags along with a stubborn stride, Matchin’ Buddy’s pace on the desert side. Trouble starts rumblin’ from the dunes ahead— Another pack hungry for the risin' kings head. [Refrain 2] [Narrator answered by the crowd] Raiders come runnin’ thinkin’ fear’s his plight— *Buddy keep Playin’! Buddy keep Playin’!* They fall like shadows in the noon‑day light— *Buddy keep Walkin’! Buddy keep Walkin’!* [Verse 3] [Bowlers & Russians: chaotic tones accompany the verse] They wander through a valley where the echoes roll, And out come the Bowlers with a gambler’s soul. Pins on their jackets, grins sharp as knives— Lookin’ to end two wanderin’ lives. Then Russians roar in with a thunderous shout, Kalashnikovs barkin’ as the dust storms out. Buddy steps forward, Boy ducks low— Another wasteland rumble a ready to go. [Refrain 3] [Narrator answered by the crowd] Bowlin’ balls rollin’, then the Red Hammer’s Might— Buddy keep Playin’! Buddy keep Playin’! Pins hit the dirt then the Russians take flight— Buddy keep Walkin’! Buddy keep Walkin’! [Verse 4] [The windmill, Death approaches, a looming electric guitar in the dust] A windmill creaks on a barren rise, Blades turn slow like watchful eyes. Buddy feels the chill of a darker hand— Death himself stalks across the sand. The Boy clings close as the shadows grow, Death’s guitar wails with a cold, low blow. Buddy squares up, jaw set tight— Two legends meet in the fading light. [Refrain 4] [Narrator answered by the crowd] Death starts strummin’ with a bone‑cold spite— *Buddy keep Playin’! Buddy keep Playin’!* He breaks that darkness with a swingin’ strike— *Buddy keep Walkin’! Buddy keep Walkin’!* [Verse 5] [The Final Show Before Vegas, The Guitars duel] Neon flickers on the desert’s edge, Vegas stands like a broken pledge. Death waits patient at the palace gate— Buddy steps forward to decide their fate. Steel meets steel in a final spark, Two silhouettes clash in the evening dark. The Boy stands watch with a held‑tight breath— Buddy’s last stand against the shadow of Death. [Refrain 5] [Narrator answered by the crowd] Death comes crashin’ with his full dark might— *Buddy keep Playin’! Buddy keep Playin’!* But Buddy stands firm in the dyin’ light— *Buddy keep Walkin’! Buddy keep Walkin’!* [Outro] [The Road goes On] Vegas’ll crown a new King, in the days to come But the road don’t rest in a world full of scum. Buddy’s legend strolls on through the night— *Buddy Keep Playin'! Buddy Keep Playin'!* As the boy keeps walking towards the Vegas light… *Buddy Keep Walking! Buddy Keep Walking!"