Balthier - Leading Man

[no_apologies]

THIS is a badass hip hop orchestral anthem that does one of my most favorite Final Fantasy XII game characters justice!!

(Mood: Confident, Wry, Adventurous, Introducing himself, in a confident tone--with a slight swagger, Genre: Orchestral Hip Hop. Think cinematic, heavy string arrangements and brass samples over a sharp, rhythmic beat) mixed with Smooth Jazz/Lounge elements.)

[Intro, spoken, sounds JUST LIKE this character]
"Can't say we've met before. Let's see how this story unfolds. Any self-respecting leading man would do the same."


[Verse 1]
I step into the scene,
The camera focusing
On a closeup of me (me, me, me)

Forget the ol' Archades
Dictators do as they please
I won't fall to my knees
I'd rather live freely

My stage, blue and infinite,
The Strahl, my crew's chariot
My partner, Fran,
She aids through the scary bits.
A cosmic design, darling,
Only I carry it

Does the world need this gentleman?
Witty, adventurous, and grand,
The moment fate beckons,
I set foot on open land

[Pre-Chorus]
I don't follow signs,
I write destination
Won't need a map
Running on imagination

I've got my eye on fortune--that sweet sensation
Now watch me escape this tired Ivalice station.

[Chorus]
I'm the leading man!
No, you can't deny it.
I'm the leading man!
The one who's firin' it

I'm the leading man!
No one can ground me.
I'm the leading man!
No other role I'd be.

[brief instrumental flair]

[Verse 2]
I used to wear a uniform.
They called it perfect order.
I saw the strings attached,
Crossing the world's wide borders.

As the pompous fools commanded,
I chose to cut the lanyard.
Turned my back on ruthless glory,
For a life freer and skyward

Now my pursuits are simpler.
I seek the kind of magic,
That glows bright among ruins,
Not in that palace--too tragic.

And through every close call,
Every dodge, and risky flight,
Fran, brave and bold co-pilot
Always keeps the bearing right

[Pre-Chorus]
I don't follow signs,
I write destination
Won't need a map
Running on imagination

I've got my eye on fortune--that sweet sensation
Now watch me escape this tired Ivalice station.

[Chorus]
I'm the leading man!
No, you can't deny it.
I'm the leading man!
The one who's firin' it

I'm the leading man!
No one can ground me.
I'm the leading man!
No other role I'd be.

[instrumental break]

[Bridge]
As history's progressing,
It's trying to catch my trace.
But here I am, moving forward
At my own brilliant pace

[Verse 3]
Listen up, everyone...
The difference between,
An extra and a star,
Is not the weapon in your hand,
But the vibe of who you are.
You need a tailored coat and wit,
That moves faster than airship speed.
Luck is what happens when,
The plot agrees that I succeed.

[Chorus]
I'm the leading man!
No, you can't deny it.
I'm the leading man!
The one who's firin' it

I'm the leading man!
No one can ground me.
I'm the leading man!
No other role I'd be.

I'm the leading man!
No, you can't deny it.
I'm the leading man!
The one who's firin' it

I'm the leading man!
No one can ground me.
I'm the leading man!
No other role I'd be.

[Outro, spoken in confidence and knowing smile]
"That's my cue, isn't it?... "
"The air's getting thin, and I still have a few scenes left to film..."
"If you ever need me for a cameo, you know where to find the Strahl."
"After all..."
"Someone has to keep this story interesting."

Give this a listen! I was legit laughing when I came up with that chorus part. That's so swagger, so confident. So Balthier. XD

Have the fab variation of this song to also listen to. ^^

EDIT 11/11/2025: ...Annnnd now therre's a rock song variant! This is fun to listen to.

Comments

[gs_silva]

Ohhh, this is smooth. I can definitely listen to this a bunch of times.

I'm finally claiming some time to listen to your music! Balthier has some swagger. And a sweet voice.

[no_apologies]

The singing voice isn't actually Balthier's but I still love how catchy and smooth and how hard this song vibes! XD

And I've noticed! :D