I Bet on Losing Dogs

Lyrics

[Verse 1] I wrote their names on a paper cup Three long shots and a little luck The clerk just smiled, said, “Not tonight” But I liked the way they ran beneath the lights [Pre-Chorus] One came in limping, one came in last One turned the corner like a memory past [Chorus] I bet on losing dogs The ones with dust on their paws They may not take the prize home But they never run alone And when the whole field moves on I’ll still be calling them strong I bet on losing dogs And I’d do it all again [Verse 2] The favorite broke clean from the gate The crowd had already named his fate But number nine kept finding ground With a torn-up shoe and no one shouting loud [Pre-Chorus] He crossed the line with his head held high No ribbon waiting, no reason why [Chorus] I bet on losing dogs The ones with dust on their paws They may not take the prize home But they never run alone And when the whole field moves on I’ll still be calling them strong I bet on losing dogs And I’d do it all again [Bridge] Maybe winning is a room full of noise Maybe courage is a quieter choice I’ve seen a tired heart refuse to quit That’s worth more than the money ever did [Final Chorus] I bet on losing dogs The ones who carry their scars They may not take the prize home But they showed us who they are And when the whole field moves on Their footprints keep pulling me along I bet on losing dogs Yeah, I’d do it all again [Outro] Three names fading on a paper cup Still feels like enough