“Basketball” by Weezer appears to be a song about feeling left out and longing for connection and acceptance.
The lyrics describe the narrator hiding under the bleachers and not wanting to participate in a “game” because they don’t feel like they belong or will make a difference.
The chorus repeats...
[Verse 1]
Under the bleachers hiding for an hour
Coach is looking for me 'cause his job is to empower
I don’t want to go in, I won't make a difference
I don’t need a stupid award
[Verse 2]
I’m still in my parka watching condensation
I’d be glad to stay here 'til the end of all creation
I wish you would cue me, give a little whistle
Maybe just a wink of your eye
[Chorus]
I can’t throw this basketball into my own arms
Could you be there for me
And tell me that you want me on the team?
I can’t throw this basketball into my own arms
Basketball
Basketball
[Verse 3]
I was counting on you, you’re the one who gets me
When I try my best, you shoot a cannon of confetti
I’ve been growing colder, you’ve been getting bolder
But I believe I still have a shot
[Chorus]
I can’t throw this basketball into my own arms
Could you be there for me
And tell me that you want me on the team?
I can’t throw this basketball into my own arms
Basketball
Basketball
[Bridge]
Down to the buzzer
I’m going for a jumper
But, ooh, alley-oop-oop-oop
Don’t make me go alone
Ooh, I'm alone
Over and over and over and over and over
[Outro]
I can’t throw this basketball into my own arms
Could you be there for me
And tell me that you want me on the team?
I can’t throw this basketball into my own arms
Could you be there for me
And tell me that you want me on the team?
I can’t throw this basketball into my own arms
Over and over and over and over and over
Basketball was written by Rivers Cuomo.
Basketball was produced by Suzy Shinn & James Flannigan & Rivers Cuomo.
Weezer released Basketball on Wed Dec 21 2022.