Didn't Let You Win

You used to shoot with both hands At a hoop you couldn’t reach I’d lift you up above my head You’d drop it in and scream Later on, I’d miss on purpose Let you steal a pass or two You’d run inside and tell your mama “Dad lost twenty-two!” I didn’t let you win You got me fair and square I reached for that last shot And caught a handful of air You stood there smiling at me I stood there trying to breathe I didn’t let you win But you sure got that from me Last night you said, “One quick game” I left the dishes in the sink You’re nearly looking eye to eye now When did that happen? Man, I blinked I drove left like I always do You were waiting at the rim Said, “Dad, you gotta try something new” Then that last shot rattled in I didn’t let you win You got me fair and square I reached for that last shot And caught a handful of air You stood there smiling at me I stood there trying to breathe I didn’t let you win But you sure got that from me You said, “You took it easy” I said, “Boy, I wish I had” You laughed and threw an arm around me Said, “You’re still pretty good, Dad” We stood out there till the porch light Told us both to come on in I asked you for another game Just to stay out there again I didn’t let you win You got me fair and square I reached for that last shot And caught a handful of air You stood a little taller I could see what winning means I didn’t let you win You earned that one from me Next night I had my shoes on You said, “Dad, you sure?” I tossed you that old basketball Said, “Loser does the chores”