The Shawshank Redemption Quotes

Context

This famous line is delivered both by Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, and by "Red" Redding, played by Morgan Freeman, in The Shawshank Redemption (directed by Frank Darabont, 1994).

For Andy, this is the mantra that keeps him going inside Shawshank Prison. He's basically got two options. He can be proactive about busting his butt out of that place and carving out some type of a life for himself, or he can throw his hands in the air and give up completely.

Of course, Andy has already made the decision long ago to go the (jail-breaking) living route, and he's really only saying this to Red to encourage his friend to make a similar resolution. Which is why, when Red later repeats the line (as the film's narrator), he's stating that he too is ready to start living by breaking his parole for a chance at the good life.

Where you've heard it

This is a good line to whip out any time you're talking about getting off your rear end to do something amazing, inspiring… or at least quasi-productive.

To be fair, though, the line is originally from the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, on which the movie was based.

P.S. If you were born in the 90s, you may also know it as the title of a Fall Out Boy song.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

We have to admit, this line is a bit pretentious. Really—living and dying are the only two options? We happen to know plenty of people who are totally content hanging on somewhere in the middle.