Eighth grade
Away football game
There's a chill in the air
Mouthpieces and Gatorade
My girlfriend's a cheerleader
I'm infatuated
With the girl, with the game

My shoulderpads are too small
My helmet's way too big
My uniform's too clean
I haven't touched the ball
She's watching me again
O God, please, make the coach put me in

I know what it feels like
To be second string
Well, I know what it feels like
To just sit on the bench
And watch your friends play
And wonder why you're even on the team
I know, second string

First date
I just got my driver's license
There's fog on the road
We're lost and really late
Driving Mama's car
The wrong way on an exit ramp

I know what it feels like
To be second string
Ooh, I know what it feels like
To just sit on the bench
And watch your friends play
And wonder why you're even on the team
I know, second string

Long time ago
There was a shepherd boy
He tended his sheep
He was of Jesse's line
There was a war going on
When he got drafted by the Lord
Oh, no, no

His shoulder bones were too small
His suit of armor to big
His sword was way too heavy
Still he heeded the call
Armed with his faith
Five stones and a slingshot

I know what it feels like
To be second string
I know what it feels like
To just sit on the bench
And watch your friends play

Well, I know what it feels like
To be second string
I know what it feels like
To just sit on the bench
And watch your friends play
And wonder why you're even on the team
I know, I know, second string

I know, second string
Mmm, don't you know, I know
Oh, don't you know, I know, mmm...
I know how it feels, hey!