- Hawkins: [Bowie has just asked Hawkins to arrange a passage to Mexico for Keechie and himself] Son, I'd sure like that money. I'm old, and money's a real comfort to an old man. And maybe I did help you before, but not now. I believe in helping people get what they want, as long as they can pay for it. I've married people 'cause there's a little hope that they'll be happy. But I can't take this money of yours. No, sir. In a way, I'm a thief just the same as you are, but I won't sell you hope when there ain't any.
- [last lines]
- Keechie: [reading Bowie's letter to herself, as she walks back to her cabin] "Hello girl. I'm gonna miss you, but I got to do it this way. I'll send for both of you when I can. No matter how long it takes, I got to see that kid. He's lucky. He'll have you to keep him squared around. I love you, Bowie."
- [turns to look at Bowie's lifeless body on the ground, whispers]
- Keechie: I love you.
- Bowie: [waking up mother on bus] Ma'am, you're baby's crying.
- Mother on Bus: Well, I've been on this bus three days. When we get to the next stop, I'll fix her bottle.
- [ignoring the baby and going back to sleep]
- Mother on Bus: Till then, I just don't care.
- Opening Title Cards: This boy... and this girl... were never properly introduced to the world we live in... To tell their story... They Live by Night.
- Bowie: You said you weren't here when the pipes bust. Where were you?
- [Keechie gives no response]
- Bowie: I asked you where you were!
- Keechie: Seein' a doctor.
- Bowie: About what?
- Keechie: The baby we're gonna have.
- Bowie: [angry] Well, that's just fine. That's all I need!
- Keechie: You don't see me knittin' anything, do you?