I’d hold you up to say to your mother, “this kid’s gonna be the best kid in the world. This kid’s gonna be somebody better than anybody I ever knew.” And you grew up good and wonderful. It was great just watching you, every day was like a privilege. Then the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you’re no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that! I’m always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You’re my son and you’re my blood. You’re the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain’t gonna have a life. Don’t forget to visit your mother.
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in Rocky Balboa (2006), the sixth instalment of the legendary boxing series. Coming 16 years after Rocky V (1990), the film tells of Rocky’s return to boxing for one last fight.
Just a great speech, we sometimes forget how good a writer Stallone can be. Rocky Balboa was definitely a return to form for the star.
As far as I’m concerned it was nice of them to skip straight from Rocky IV to Rocky 6. The speech is amazing. He gives quite a few in the film, including at the hearing, but this was out on its own.
Great lines!
I thought about taking the odd line out. I don’t normally use such long pieces for a Line(s) of the Day but this was so powerful I left it as it was 🙂
wow! not only can he box, but he can also speak eloquently. (Even if slightly slurred) 🙂
It’s pretty amazing how he is still at that level of fitness at that age. It was tiring even watching him get in shape ha. It’s so easy to get caught up in the story. I have done the museum steps run up and jumping in Philadelphia btw.
Indeed amazing
Never been there
Apart from the Rocky films, Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense and aptly enough, Philadelphia, were filmed there. But it’s all about those stairs!
So many words!!! How am I suppose to read all that? Ha! Very inspiring. I especially like the last bit where he tells him not to forget to visit his mom. He seems like a great movie dad but really verbose. Who does that last bit remind you of!? Hint-he’s furry and meows a liot. In others words, you. HA! Or, maybe, I mesan The Mouth of the South. Let’s just keep the mystery alive.
Have a super afternoon and evening.
Because or despite of your cheekiness, have the live version ha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Vg4uyYwEk
Oh my gosh!! thank you! Thank you! Just what I wanted!! Ha. Powerful speech. Really great quote.
That is a terrific speech. I have never seen this film. Rocky burnout I suppose!
I find it you pretend the fifth one doesn’t exist, it’s a lot easier. I’ve always seen the charm in them. Each of them has always had enough distinction for me.
Funny what you really don’t absorb until you see it in written form sometimes – thanks.
It’s an amazing speech. He delivers it so well too. He has so much heart.
I got to run up the Rocky steps last week!
That’s awesome. I hope you did the jumping around too.
Great post 🙂 Same here. In all of the Rocky films including Creed, his character comes up with some really powerful moments via dialogue. It is not surprise since the script was written by Stallone himself. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
Thanks. He’s so influential that Rocky is actually in the Boxing Hall of Fame. Does any other sport have a fictional person in theirs?