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.