40 ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ Quotes: Murder, Marshes and Social Isolation

"Where The Crawdads Sing" is a film based on the book by Delia Owens, following an outcast called "Marsh Girl" who was accused of murdering a man. Read 40 quotes from this girl as well as other characters in the movie.

"Marsh Girl," or Kya Clark, lives a life of solitude, separate from her local community, in North Carolina's marshlands. Her isolation occurred when her mother first abandoned her, followed by her siblings and, eventually, her abusive father. This forces her to bring herself up, becoming a resourceful young woman connected to the wetlands surrounding her.

During the film, she enters into romantic dynamics with two men. One was Chase Andrews, who, when with her, pretended that they were not associated because of her status as a local pariah. This is only one way he proves to be a profoundly toxic individual.

This makes Clark an easy target when Andrews is found dead, as she is put on trial for his alleged murder, facing a possible lifetime behind bars and even the death penalty. The film follows this court case and the life story of "Marsh Girl." Find out more by reading 40 quotes from many of the movie's characters.

Tom Milton’s quote: "If we lose, we lose big. It’s life in prison or the other." │Source: AmoDays

Kya Clark Quotes

"Being isolated was one thing. Living in fear; quite another." — Kya Clark

"The heart’s pain seeped away like water into sand. Still there, but deep." — Kya Clark

"I have to get out of here. One way or another." — Kya Clark

"Mr. Milton, I won't say anything that implies guilt. I will not go to prison." — Kya Clark

"I learned from the mistakes of the others how to live with him. Just keep out of the way. Don't let him see you. Fend for yourself." — Kya Clark

Kya Clark’s quote: "People forget about the creatures who live in shells." │Source: AmoDays

“Marsh is not swamp. Marsh is a space of light where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky.” — Kya Clark

“I know you think I’m trash, but I’m worth more than a picnic.” — Kya Clark

"People forget about the creatures who live in shells." — Kya Clark

"And then one day, he [Kya's father] was gone. Wasn't like the pain when Ma left." — Kya Clark

Kya Clark’s quote: "One thing I learned from Pa; These men have to have the last punch." │Source: AmoDays

"I'll never leave the marsh to go live with a bunch of strangers." — Kya Clark

"I hope when it is time for me to leave, I will go quick and easy without making too much noise." — Kya Clark

"One thing I learned from Pa; These men have to have the last punch." — Kya Clark

"That was the only day I ever spent in school. I reckoned I was better off learning from the wild." — Kya Clark

“Sometimes I feel so invisible, I wonder if I’m here at all.” — Kya Clark

Kya Clark’s quote: “Being completely alone was a feeling so vast, it echoed.”│Source: AmoDays

"The marsh knows all about death and doesn’t necessarily define it as a tragedy." — Kya Clark

“I don’t know if there is a dark side to nature. Just inventive ways to endure it. Against all odds.” — Kya Clark

“Being completely alone was a feeling so vast, it echoed.” — Kya Clark

Tate Walker’s quote: “You can’t live in the marsh forever.” │Source: AmoDays

"Tate. There was something about that boy that eased the tightness in my chest. For the first time since Ma and Jodie left, I felt something other than hurt. I felt brave." — Kya Clark

"It’s like having a friend your whole life, but you never see their face." — Kya Clark

"I didn't know words could hold so much." — Kya Clark

"I know feathers. Bet the other girls don't know feathers." — Kya Clark

Tate Walker Quotes

"I won't leave you, Kya, I promise. I'm going to come back to you." — Tate Walker

Tate Walker’s quote: “Not all words hold that much.” │Source: AmoDays

"I’m going to get a degree and be something.” — Tate Walker

“You can’t live in the marsh forever.” — Tate Walker

“Not all words hold that much.” — Tate Walker

"I thought I had to choose between you and everything else." — Tate Walker

“I want you more than anything, but I can’t be damaged as easily. It’s more dangerous for you.” — Tate Walker

Chase Andrews Quotes

Chase Andrew’s quote: “I think you’re free as a dang gale and smart as a whip.”│Source: AmoDays

“There’s nobody I know who could live out here alone like this. I mean, most guys would be too scared.” — Chase Andrews

“You’re something else, aint you?” — Chase Andrews

“I think you’re free as a dang gale and smart as a whip.” — Chase Andrews

More ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ Quotes

"What do you think really happened, Frank? You think that Marsh Girl killed Chase?" — Mr. Mosely

Deputy Perdue’s quote: “She a scientist, or a witch?” │ Source: AmoDays

"Chase Andrews and that Marsh Girl? Now if that ain't asking for trouble." — Sandy

"If we lose, we lose big. It’s life in prison or the other." — Tom Milton

Tate Walker’s quote: "I thought I had to choose between you and everything else." │Source: AmoDays

"It's a dangerous world, isn't it?" — Pa

"Need you to be careful out there. You hear me? You can't trust nobody. You protect yourself." — Pa

"Poor child. Her ma's gone, and now her pa's gone too, I bet." — Pa

Chase Andrew’s quote: “You’re something else, aint you?”│Source: AmoDays

The musical composition in this film was enchanting, with "Carolina" by Taylor Swift playing during the end credits. Due to her status as a pop icon, Swift's music is used in media often.

A significant example is when her recent hit song, "Anti-Hero," was used near the end of "You" season four, while "Exile," a song she created with Bon Iver, was played near the end of season three.

However, if they do or do not use a Taylor Swift song in a hopefully fifth season of this show is less important than the question of what will Joe Goldberg, planned by Penn Badgley, do now that he has accepted his dark nature. Moreover, will Marienne Bellamy, played by Tati Gabrielle and a survivor of this serial killer, do anything to expose him?

While we wait and see what one of our favorite sociopaths might do, we can spend some time with another cold-blooded killer by reading these 72 Dexter Morgan quotes.