“Alright. Well, in all honesty, I don't feel that what I've done is a crime. And I think it's illogical and irresponsible for you to sentence me to prison. Because, when you think about it, what did I really do? I crossed an imaginary line with a bunch of plants. I mean, you say I'm an outlaw, you say I'm a thief, but where's the Christmas dinner for the people on relief? Huh? You say you're looking for someone who's never weak but always strong, to gather flowers constantly whether you are right or wrong, someone to open each and every door, but it ain't me, babe, huh? No, no, no, it ain't me, babe. It ain't me you're looking for, babe. You follow?”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote, the speaker expresses his belief that what he did was not a crime and questions the logic behind being sentenced to prison for crossing an imaginary line with plants. He challenges the authorities by questioning their definitions of right and wrong, and highlights the discrepancies between their expectations and his actions. The speaker also references the expectations placed upon him to be strong and always right, but ultimately rejects these ideals, asserting that he is not the person they are looking for. Through this powerful monologue, the speaker challenges societal norms and expectations, ultimately asserting his own sense of self and agency.
Modern Relevance
In this quote, George questions the logic behind being punished for crossing a boundary and engaging in nonviolent actions. This sentiment can be seen as relevant in today's society where individuals challenge societal norms and government regulations that they believe to be unjust or illogical. The quote highlights the idea of civil disobedience and questioning authority in pursuit of social justice and personal freedom.
Bob Dylan's Lyrics in Legal Defense
"Alright. Well, in all honesty, I don't feel that what I've done is a crime. And I think it's illogical and irresponsible for you to sentence me to prison. Because, when you think about it, what did I really do? I crossed an imaginary line with a bunch of plants. I mean, you say I'm an outlaw, you say I'm a thief, but where's the Christmas dinner for the people on relief? Huh? You say you're looking for someone who's never weak but always strong, to gather flowers constantly whether you are right or wrong, someone to open each and every door, but it ain't me, babe, huh? No, no, no, it ain't me, babe. It ain't me you're looking for, babe. You follow?" - George
Reflection Questions:
In this quote, George challenges the idea of his actions being considered criminal and questions the justice system's logic behind it. He expresses his perspective on the situation and questions whether he is truly the outlaw or thief he is being labeled as. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
- Do you agree with George's perspective on his actions not being a crime? Why or why not?
- How do you think societal norms and laws influence our perception of what is considered criminal behavior?
- Have you ever questioned the fairness of a law or punishment? How did you navigate your feelings about it?
- What do you think George is trying to convey through his references to not fitting society's expectations and the lyrics of the song "It Ain't Me Babe" by Bob Dylan?
- How does this quote challenge your own beliefs about crime and punishment?
Similar quotes
“That's it for me. I'm fucked. As per usual. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Although come to think of it I was never even the freaking bridesmaid. Look, show your cock. It's the shortest line between two points. The world ain't giving away nice lives. You got a trust fund? You a genius? Show your cock. It's what you got.”
“Cause when it comes to you, darlin', I got no fuckin' sense. You fuckin' pull me in until you're all I can fuckin' see. Suddenly, I can't fuckin' breathe, but I don't care 'cause you, babe, you're you. And I ain't ever met anyone as fuckin' perfect as you.”
“Because..." he sighed, "You, make me laugh, you challenge me,you turn me on like no else can. I feel like I'm missingsomething really important when you're gone. So important Idon't feel like myself. I've never felt like someone was minebefore. But your mine, Jocelyn. I've known that from the momentwe met. And I'm yours. I don't want to be anybody else's,babe.”
“I am messaging you to say that I love you, and that you're completely wrong about me thinking you're stupid. I always thought you could teach me things. I was always waiting. You're not like the others. You say things that no one expects you to. You think you're stupid. You want to be stupid. But you're someone people could learn from.”
“But let me tell you this: sometimes at night, when I look up at the stars, an see the whole sky jus laid out there, don't you think I ain't rememberin it all. I still got dreams like anybody else, an ever so often, I am thinkin about how things might of been. An then, all of a sudden, I'm forty, fifty, sixty years ole, you know?Well, so what? I may be a idiot, but most of the time, anyway, I tried to do the right thing-- an dreams is jus dreams, ain't they? So whatever else has happened, I am figgerin this: I can always look back an say, at least I ain't led no hum-drum life.You know what I mean?”
“What about your Your 10,000 promises? That you gave to me (to me, babe) Your 10,000 promises That you promised me You say I'll take you back But I close the door 'Cause I don't want 10,000 more”