A filk of 'Who I'd Be' from Shrek the Musical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C20CjvnrR-U.
LIONEL:
I guess I’d be a hero. I know the way to do it;
I’ve kinda half been through it, and it gets me every time.
Of course I’d be a hero - it’s all about the story,
And less about the glory - hey, so screw a life of crime:
I’d be the guy - you know, the guy that everyone admires,
I’d be the star, and I would fight and fall
Just as the plot requires!
That’s worth it all. That’s worth it all.
But I could be a wizard, a mage replete with power,
I’d have a wizard tower, and an evil wizard throne.
I’d hire a group of heroes, I’d watch them navigate
A virtual world that I’d create, and write a story of my own.
I’d be the guy - you know, the guy, the one behind the curtain.
Then they’d escape, and though they’d think they’d won,
They’d never know for certain!
The story done. The story done.
A hero does what’s right - they follow what they feel;
I know I’d never choose to be a true hero for real.
I’ll never be a hero - I’ll never have the glory,
I’ll chase story after story, though, and live them till the last,
I guess I’ll be a wizard, a villain and a quitter,
And I’ll laugh cause I’m not bitter that I’m going nowhere fast.
I’ll crack a smile, I’ll play along, I’ll write a witty letter;
And when reality gets dull, I’ll find a game that’s better.
And if Ambrosia said the word, I wouldn’t be pretending,
I’d take up arms, I’d be her chosen knight,
A hero in ascending - a story without ending!
That’s how it could be.
I’d show her worlds within worlds,
And I’d be free.
A hero does what’s right - they follow what they feel;
I know I’d never choose to be a true hero for real.
I’ll never be a hero - a guy like me can’t cut it,
But still, no matter what, it seems I’m under story’s sway.
And once I have discovered a narrative or game,
I’ll smash my way out all the same - live to pretend another day.
A story without ending,
That’s how it should be.