40 'Green Book' Quotes from the Biographical Comedy-Drama

Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen lead the cast of 'Green Book' with their stellar performances in the comedy-drama about a white man employed by a black worker. The quotes from the film give a glimpse of the journey the USA has gone through in its fight against racism and prejudice.

"Green Book" follows the story of a wealthy African American Pianist and his Italian American bouncer, Frank"Tony Lip" Vallelonga. It was inspired by the real-life story of the 1962 tour of the Deep South and well received by fans and critics alike. It won a whopping three Academy Awards at the 2018 award ceremony.

The acting and filmmaking were well matched by the enjoyable dialogues found in the movie, which were mixed with serious and, at times, sarcastic undertones. Here are 40 quotes from the "Green Book."

Tony Lip's quote: “I ain't worried about nothin'... In fact, when you see me worried? You'll know.” | Source: Amodays

Tony Lip 'Green Book' Quotes

“The world's full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.” — Tony Lip

“You know, when you first hired me, my wife went out and bought one of your records. The one about the orphans?” — Tony Lip

“I ain't worried about nothin'... In fact, when you see me worried? You'll know.” — Tony Lip

“It's amazing you said that. "How 'bout some quiet time?" Dolores, my wife, used to say that all the time... Well, not all the time but, y'know, she says it when, when I come home from work sometime, you know, she been with the kids all day and she'll say, "Tony? How 'bout some quiet time?" Exactly like how you said it! I mean, it's amazing…” — Tony Lip

“It's like what your friend the President said, "Ask not... Your country, what you could do for it. Ask what you do for yourself." Y'know?” — Tony Lip

Tony Lip's quote: “I dunno. Personally, I think if you stuck to the classic stuff, it would've been a big mistake.” | Source: Amodays

“You know, Doc, something's been eatin' at me this whole trip.” — Tony Lip

“What are you talkin' about? Smoke's going down my lungs. I'm doin' all the work here.” — Tony Lip

“I dunno. Personally, I think if you stuck to the classic stuff, it would've been a big mistake.” — Tony Lip

“Trained? What are you, a seal? People love what you do! Anyone can sound like Beethoven or Joe Pan or them other guys you said. But your music, what you do? Only you can do that!” — Tony Lip

“Dr. Don Shirley: Tony, are you hungry?

Tony Lip: Does Betty like Butta? Er?” — Tony Lip

Tony Lip's quote: “What's the big deal, Doc? Squirrels woulda ate it anyway!” | Source: Amodays

“Kentucky Fried Chicken! In Kentucky! When's that ever gonna happen!” — Tony Lip

“Of course I don't want you to miss a show, you ungrateful bastard! You think I'm doing this for my health? Tonight I saved your (expletive)! So show a little appreciation, maybe! Besides, I told you never to go nowhere without me!” — Tony Lip

“What's the big deal, Doc? Squirrels woulda ate it anyway!” — Tony Lip

“Nature takes care of the earth!” — Tony Lip

“It's not "Tony the Lip", it's "Tony Lip". One word. I got it when I was a kid 'cause my friends said I was the best (expletive) artist in the Bronx.” — Tony Lip

Tony Lip's quote: “Mmm. I think this is the best Kentucky Fried Chicken I ever had. But I guess it's fresher down here, right?” | Source: Amodays

“Tony Lip: You speak German, huh?Dr. Don Shirley: That was Russian.Tony Lip: Yeah, I was stationed in Germany in the army. I could pick up a little bit of what you were saying there…” — Tony Lip

“Mmm. I think this is the best Kentucky Fried Chicken I ever had. But I guess it's fresher down here, right?” — Tony Lip

“He shouldn't have woke me up!” — Tony Lip

“Orange Bird Bartender: You a cop?Tony Lip: Do I look Irish?” — Tony Lip

“Dear Dolores, how are you? I am fine. I'm eating real good. Hamburgers mostly. So don't worry about me not eating good. I saw Dr. Shirley play the piano tonight. He don't play like a colored guy. He plays like Liberace, but better. He's like a genius, I think. When I look at him in the rear-view mirror, I can tell he's always thinking about stuff in his head. I guess that's what geniuses do. But it don't look fun to be that smart. I miss you very, very much.” — Tony Lip

Dr. Donald Shirley's quote: “Thank you, Tony. But not everyone can play Chopin. Not like I can.” | Source: Amodays

“You know, my father used to say, whatever you do, do it 100%. When you work, work. When you laugh, laugh. When you eat, eat like it's your last meal.” — Tony Lip

Dr. Donald Shirley 'Green Book' Quotes

“ Orpheus in the Underworld. It's based on a French opera. And those weren't children on the cover; those were demons in the bowels of Hell.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“A mistake? Performing the music I trained my entire life to play?” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“Thank you, Tony. But not everyone can play Chopin. Not like I can.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“Don't worry 'bout it. I been working nightclubs in New York City my whole life. I know it's a... complicated world.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

Dr. Donald Shirley's quote: “You never win with violence. You only win when you maintain your dignity." | Source: Amodays

“I am not a medical doctor. I'm a musician. I'm about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South. What other experience do you have?” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“Yes. It's a shame we don't have something to protect us on our journey. Oh, I know. Why don't you put your lucky rock up on the dash, Tony? Come on, Tony, we need all the help we can get.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“You never win with violence. You only win when you maintain your dignity.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“Buon Natale. Thank you for sharing your husband with me.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“Yes, I live in a castle, Tony! Alone. And rich white people pay me to play piano for them because it makes them feel cultured. But as soon as I step off that stage, I go right back to being just another (expletive) to them. Because that is their true culture. And I suffer that slight alone because I'm not accepted by my own people 'cause I'm not like them, either.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

Dr. Donald Shirley's quote: “Ahh that was a good time. I'd do that once a month for free.” | Source: Amodays

“So if I'm not black enough and if I'm not white enough, and not man enough, then tell me, Tony, what am I?” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I've ever done.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“Ahh that was a good time. I'd do that once a month for free.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

“OK Tony, I need you to stop it with the phony altruism and concern for my career.” — Dr. Donald Shirley

'Green Book' Quotes from the Rest of the Cast

“He had a great job at the Sanitation Department. You shouldn't have punched out the foreman.” — Johnny Venere

Dolores's quote: “Thank you for helping him with the letters.” | Source: Amodays

“The bet's simple. Half a C-note. Most hot dogs in an hour wins.” — Gorman

“Tony Lip: Hey, Gorman. What's the record here for hot dogs?Gorman: Eighteen. Fat Paulie.Johnny Venere: Why wasn't Lip in on that contest?Fat Paulie: What contest? I was hungry.” — Fat Paulie

“Thank you for helping him with the letters.” — Dolores

“Being genius is not enough; it takes courage to change people's hearts.” — Oleg

“C'mon. Make some room. Get this man a plate.” — Johnny Venere

Tony Lip's quote: “Kentucky Fried Chicken! In Kentucky! When's that ever gonna happen!” | Source: Amodays

Despite the hostile circumstances surrounding their time together, Dr. Shirley and Tony Lip are adamant about a successful tour and encounter various life lessons along the way. Some of those moments are captured in the quotes.

Readers interested in biographical dramas can also check out these 13 Dorothy Vaughan quotes from the fearless genius in "Hidden Figures." The historical film also features performances from Kirsten Dunst and Kevin Costner.