Here Are the Lyrics to 'One Shining Moment'

The classic song was written by David Barrett.

It's one of the most recognizable songs associated with college sports: David Barrett's "One Shining Moment."

The song plays at the end of the NCAA tournament every year, over a video montage capturing the most memorable moments—from the joyous to the heartbreaking—of the tournament. 

Here are the lyrics:

The ball is tipped


and there you are


you’re running for your life


you’re a shooting star


And all the years


no one knows


just how hard you worked


but now it shows…


(in) One Shining Moment, IT’S ALL ON THE LINE


One Shining Moment, THERE FROZEN IN TIME

But time is short


and the road is long


in the blinking of an eye


ah that moment’s gone


And when it’s done


win or lose


you always did your best


cuz inside you knew…


(that) One Shining Moment, YOU REACHED DEEP INSIDE


One Shining Moment​, YOU KNEW YOU WERE ALIVE

Feel the beat of your heart


feel the wind in your face


it’s more than a contest


it’s more than a race…

And when it’s done


win or lose


you always did your best


cuz inside you knew…


(that) One Shining Moment, YOU REACHED FOR THE SKY


One Shining Moment​, YOU KNEW


One Shining Moment, YOU WERE WILLING TO TRY


One Shining Moment….

Here's what the song sounds like.

Make sure to sing along when this year's tournament concludes. 

---

Read More About March Madness

manual