[Verse 1]
Backboard bruises on my hands
Morning came and I still stood
No one saw the kitchen floor
Only me and all that wood
I was thin on hope back then
Carrying shame in my chest
Then that orange ball rolled back to me
Like it knew I needed rest
[Pre-Chorus]
One more dribble
One more shot
Heart still racing
But I stopped
[Chorus]
Basketball saved me from death
Basketball saved me from death
When my name felt gone
It kept me strong
Basketball saved me from death
[Verse 2]
Bleachers cold, my breath was smoke
Sweat ran down my busted chin
Coach just said keep moving kid
So I kept moving back in
Every miss taught me how
Not to fold when nights got long
Every rebound pulled me up
Every fall made me more strong
[Pre-Chorus]
One more dribble
One more shot
Heart still racing
But I stopped
[Chorus]
Basketball saved me from death
Basketball saved me from death
When my name felt gone
It kept me strong
Basketball saved me from death
[Bridge]
I was close to the edge
Close enough to feel it
Then the ball hit my palm
And I had to meet it
Now I wear these scars
Like a line I survived
If I lose my way again
I know how to stay alive
[Chorus]
Basketball saved me from death
Basketball saved me from death
When my name felt gone
It kept me strong
Basketball saved me from death