25 Al Swearengen Quotes from the 19th-Century Crime Drama

Set in 1800s Deadwood, South Dakota, "Deadwood" follows the exploits of many colorful characters, among whom is Al Swearengen. Al may present as your regular saloon owner, but behind closed doors, he is a powerful figure in a town that is neck-deep in crime.

Al Swearengen might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the combination of intimidation, humor, and menace he portrayed served as a major pull factor in the drama that occurred in "Deadwood."

Though he pretty much spoke his mind, never falling short of profanities (it's in the name), Al was a calculating criminal who knew how to maneuver Deadwood's underworld to get his way. He moved with sheer conviction, which always shone when he spoke.

And in the same way, Al delivered small bouts of wisdom every now and then, words of advice that reflected his worldviews and could apply to anyone today. So, for a snippet of all that encapsulated Al, enjoy the small collection of his quotes below.

Al Swearengen with his quote, "The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back." | Source: Facebook/Deadwood

Advice from the Crime Figure

"The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back." — Al Swearengen

"Change ain't looking for friends. Change calls the tune we all dance to." — Al Swearengen

"Announcing your plans is a good way to hear God laugh." — Al Swearengen

"Pain or damage don't end the world." — Al Swearengen

"The obvious merits utterance. Character is [expletive] pertinent." — Al Swearengen

Al Swearengen with his quote, "I wouldn't trust a man who wouldn't try to steal a little." | Source: Facebook/Deadwood

"Act averse to nasty language and partial to fruity tea." — Al Swearengen

"I wouldn't trust a man who wouldn't try to steal a little." — Al Swearengen

"Let's leave it all alone. I'm stupidest when I try to be funny." — Al Swearengen

"The question is: until reinforced, can we learn the ways of church mice?" — Al Swearengen

"In life you have to do a lot of things you don't [expletive] want to do. Many times, that's what the [expletive] life is… one vile [expletive] task after another." — Al Swearengen

Al Swearengen with his quote, "You see me empty, sir, do not pause and inquire. Simply assume and refill." | Source: Facebook/Deadwood

"God rest the souls of that poor family." — Al Swearengen

More of Al Swearengen's Quotes

"Welcome to [expletive] Deadwood!" — Al Swearengen

"You see me empty, sir, do not pause and inquire. Simply assume and refill." — Al Swearengen

"You would not want to be staring like that at me." — Al Swearengen

"Let Him [expletive] stay there." — Al Swearengen

Al Swearengen with his quote, "We teach a special sweeping technique here." | Source: Facebook/Deadwood

"What makes you talk to me in that tone of voice?" — Al Swearengen

"You stay out of this! You don't know nothin' about this! You weren't here and you don't have his proxy, so why don't you do whatever you people do when you're not running your mouths off or cheatin' people out of what they earn by Christian work." — Al Swearengen

"Miles Anderson: God bless you, Mr. Swearengen.

Al Swearengen: Well, not likely. But my prospects have just improved." — "Deadwood"

"We teach a special sweeping technique here." — Al Swearengen

"Walk in unannounced is a good way to get yourself killed, Doc." — Al Swearengen

Al Swearengen with his quote, "I wasn't offering it personally." | Source: Facebook/Deadwood

"The direction of my thoughts–with the sustained fucking stupidity that you’re exhibiting, I hesitate to voice them–is that you might want to train for Phil’s former position." — Al Swearengen

"I wasn't offering it personally." — Al Swearengen

"You don't want to interfere with me." — Al Swearengen

"Well, say no more. Refrain from explaining yourself." — Al Swearengen

A photo from "Deadwood" with the quote, "Well, say no more. Refrain from explaining yourself." | Source: Facebook/Deadwood

Al Swearengen was portrayed by Ian McShane, who reprised the role in 2019's "Deadwood: The Movie." Fans may also recognize the actor as Winston from the "John Wick" movies, starring Keanu Reeves, and the Johnny Depp film franchise "Pirates of the Caribbean."

If you've enjoyed his quotes as the formidable Al Swearengen, perhaps you'll also like these Paulie Walnuts quotes from "The Sopranos's" mobster.