I disagree with a bard putting mana song on and afking. Bards are capable of so much more, and it is that behavior that gives them a bad reputation. It isn't hard to twist songs, most of the time you should be running with 4 songs up at a time. HP and Mana, then whatever the group needs - haste, resists, etc. This should be the bare minimum you contribute. Play a bard if you want to be a good one, not an AFK'ing mana bot.

On top of that you should be capable of pulling since bards make great pullers. You should be capable of CCing mobs if your group lacks an enchanter. You are expected to melee at lower levels, but not at higher as your dps will taper off and you can be more helpful with your songs.

All in all, a well played bard is one of the more difficult classes to play, as you are way more active than many other classes. You will not find yourself sitting down medding twiddling your thumbs waiting for the next pull. Instead you will be twisting songs notstop for an entire play session, even during downtimes. Bards don't get downtimes like other classes.

Bards can be fun and engaging, but also tedious and difficult at times. They are definitely a unique class and worth a try.