Yellowstone: 25 Best Quotes

For five seasons, Yellowstone has taught audiences what it means to be a rancher in a changing world and the fight to protect that way of life with these themes perfectly portrayed through Yellowstone's best quotes. Though they come from all types of characters, Duttons or not, Yellowstone's dialogue succeeds at emphasizing the ideas of family, sacrifice, and hardship that are important to the show. Overall, these quotes show off the ideals of Yellowstone's cast of characters, but more than that, they elevate the uniquely Western ambiance of Yellowstone as a whole.

Yellowstone is a Western drama following the Dutton family, who own the largest contiguous ranch in America. Aside from the titular ranch, family patriarch John Dutton cares most about his three children. Beth is blunt and fierce, and will do what she can to protect her family and its legacy. Kayce has become distanced from the Duttons to pursue his own life. Worst of all, Jamie has left the ranch completely to become a lawyer. Despite their disagreements, the Duttons and their peers must come together to preserve the ranch and everything it stands for.

25 "The Brand Isn't Something You Earn, It's Something You Live Up To."

John Dutton

The Yellowstone brand is one of the most important things in the series as it makes a person a part of the Dutton ranch for life. The brand is first seen when Jimmy is given the chance to turn his life over to the ranch or continue to destroy his life as a petty criminal and drug addict. However, as John Dutton points out, simply getting the brand doesn't mean that a person has proven themselves but rather that it serves as a painful reminder that they need to work to earn their place on the ranch.

John's explanation of the meaning behind the brand is a glimpse of the way he runs the ranch. He expects the people who work for him to be loyal and follow him without question. However, those who wear the brands are more than just ranch hands as they are expected to do the dirty work required to keep the ranch going.

24 "It's Gonna Be A S***show No Matter What We Do. May As Well Do It Fast."

Kayce Dutton

So many times on Yellowstone, the main characters prove that they have the determination and toughness that is required for life on the ranch. However, that doesn't mean it comes easy, and also doesn't mean that they always know what they are doing. As the cowboys head out to rustle up a stray herd, it becomes clear that they don't have a plan as Rip's whole approach is to just say "F*** it" and see what happens.

Kayce echos this clueless approach insisting that doing it fast will leave less time for things to go wrong. It is one of the rare moments in the show where John Dutton seems amused as he remarks that Kayce's way of thinking is so illogical that it almost makes sense. Given how at ease these people seem to feel on a ranch, it is a relatable moment when they all admit they don't really know what they're doing.

23 "It's Hard To Measure Almost, 'Cause Almost Doesn't Matter."

Rip Wheeler

Many of the best Yellowstone quotes involve the characters offering words of wisdom to each other in times of need. While John is usually the one who is dispensing that wisdom, there is a moment where he needs some new perspective after his grandson Tate almost drowns on his watch. As John beats himself up about it, Rip reminds him that "almost" is not something worth considering because it didn't happen.

What makes the line memorable is the delivery Rip gives, as it seems like he knows his place and at the same time wants to talk some sense into John for beating himself up too much. However, it is made even better as John scoffs at the sentiment, only for Rip to reveal that it was John who told that to Rip in the first place.

22 "Well, If You're Marrying Beth, You've Already Proven You're Not Scared Of Anything."

John Dutton

The romance between Beth and Rip on Yellowstone is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the series, but also intense at times. This is partially due to Beth's fiery personality with Rip proving time and time again that he is the only person who can stand toe-to-toe with her.

When discussing joining the family after he and Beth decide to get married, Rip reveals to John Dutton that other people in the family are afraid to talk to him because they are afraid to let him down. When Rip admits that's what he's afraid of, John suggests his relationship with Beth proves Rip has no fear. It is a nice moment between the two men which shows how much John respects Rip and how he sees him as an ideal man for his daughter.

21 "Better Get After It Then... Too Late."

Rip Wheeler

Some of the most exciting scenes in Yellowstone involve Rip getting into a fight and proving how tough he is. One of the best of these moments comes when a gang of bikers gets into a fight with the ranch's other cowboys. Rip comes on the scene like an animal, knocking over anyone who steps to him.

When one of the bikers pulls a gun, Rip doesn't even stop. He dares the man to pull the trigger while advancing on him. When he is close enough, Rip lets the biker know he let the opportunity go before snatching the gun away and delivering a beatdown. It is a thrilling moment of Rip proving yet again that he is the toughest person in this show. He does not flinch at all even when staring down the barrel of the gun and taunts the man for not being able to go through with it.

20 “Learn To Be Meaner Than Evil And Still Love Your Family And Enjoy A Sunrise.”

John Dutton

Though Yellowstone is a modern Western, it never lacks classic Western themes. For example, this quote perfectly describes a cowboy's way of life: a man who must do hard things, yet can still enjoy his life and protect those he loves. The fact that this quote comes from John Dutton is no surprise either. John says this because he wants his children to understand that evil is inevitable, and they must survive it but do so in a way that is still worth living.

John certainly values family but he has shown he can be evil as well. In many ways, this can be seen as one of the themes of the series as various other characters have to deal with the conflict between caring for their family and having to embrace the violence of the world. As the stakes continue to rise in the series, it will be interesting to see how those two priorities clash.

19 "You're Either Born A Willow Or Born An Oak. That's All There Is To It."

Lloyd Pierce

Though John Dutton is the leader of Yellowstone, Lloyd is considered the wise man on the ranch, which makes it unsurprising that he came out with this meaningful quote. While talking to Monica about her son Tate, Lloyd explains via this quote that some people are born strong and unmovable, while others are more flexible and easily persuaded. Lloyd has been a part of this life for so long that it allows him to see the world in a simple and clear way.

One of the things Yellowstone keeps returning to again and again is the idea of this life on the ranch being a hard one and the type of people it creates as a result. They choose this life because it builds character but there have also been more than a few people who have come looking to take a piece for themselves only to discover they are willows surrounded by oaks.

18 "I’d Rather Kill A Thousand Men Than Shoot Another Horse."

Rip Wheeler

A major aspect of the Western lifestyle that is often overlooked is the actual ranch, but luckily, Yellowstone's Rip could never forget about the horses he rides every day. Though Rip is just as rough-and-tumble as the rest of Yellowstone's cowboys, this quote shows his more compassionate side - at least towards animals. He has killed many men over the course of the series, but there is a gentleness to him as well.

This quote summarizes the balance of violence and love that the characters often face. It also speaks to the themes of nature being the victim of the modern world. John Dutton and many of the people on the Yellowstone ranch are dead set on standing against the push of progress. While this sometimes makes them seem like outdated and out-of-touch people, there is also a sense they are trying to protect the beauty of nature that is being overrun.

17 “A Man Who Puts A Hand On A Member Of My Family Never Puts A Hand On Anything Else.”

Jamie Dutton

Without family, Yellowstone would be nothing, and this quote explains just how deeply the Duttons care for each other. They are a dysfunctional family, to say the least, and they are often at each other just as much as they are at their enemies. However, when one of them is attacked, the Dutton family has shown time and time again just how quickly they will come together to enact their retribution.

What makes it all the more powerful is the fact that it is coming from Jamie, the black sheep of the family. In the end, this quote proves that even the outsiders of the Dutton family will still resort to violence when their family is threatened. However, later seasons of Yellowstone have shown Jamie becoming something of an enemy to John and Beth, suggesting that this quote could mean something else in the future.

16 "You Are The Trailer Park. I’m The Tornado."

Beth Dutton

While everyone on the Dutton ranch has an edge of danger to them, none are as volatile as Beth Dutton. Beth holds no prisoners in all aspects of her life, and this quote is just one example of her power. In a literal sense, Beth is like a natural disaster, and won't hesitate in bringing someone else down to get her way. There is certainly a destructive nature to Beth and whoever winds up in her path is likely to be devastated. However, this also makes way for a lot of self-destruction as well.

It is hugely entertaining to see Beth take on the many enemies of the Dutton family as she handles them in her own brutal way. While others have a more physical approach to fighting, Beth uses her intelligence, which often proves to be a lot more devastating. However, it will be interesting to see if she meets an equally destructive force by the end of the series.

15 “When You Fight For A Thing, The Thing Doesn’t Care If You Win Or Lose Because The Thing Ain’t Alive. But When You Fight For People, They Care.”

Kayce Dutton

In Yellowstone, there is family to fight for, but also, there are causes. Here, Kayce Dutton is arguing for the former. With this quote, he is saying that it is more satisfying to fight for people because they care about your efforts, rather than a cause or a thing that can give nothing back. This shows the difference between John Dutton and Kayce Dutton that has existed the entire series. While John feels it is imperative that they fight to maintain the future of the ranch, Kayce is far more concerned with protecting his own family.

Kayce has always struggled between his loyalty to his father and keeping his family safe. As the series continues on, it feels as though Kayce is heading to a moment in which he will have to make that decision and stand by it. However, quotes like these hint at the choice he will ultimately make.

14 "When The Misery Is Bad Enough, Tomorrow Is Rarely Factored Into Decisions."

Monica Dutton

The Western life isn't always easy, and Monica sums it up well with this wise quote. She has experienced a lot of difficulties over the course of the series, beginning with the first episode in which Kayce kills her brother in a gunfight. From racism to the atrocities committed on her people to the threats constantly endangering her family, she knows what misery is. Using this perspective, she explains that when a person is having a bad time, they aren't worried about the future, because their present is so distracting.

What is great about this quote is that it can describe any one of Yellowstone's characters when they are at their lowest. It is easy to see both sides of the quote as well. On the one hand, when things are bad, there is no sense in thinking about how they might get worse. On the other hand, focusing on current struggles might blind them to what's coming.

13 "You Know, When You Boil Life Down, It’s Funny Just How Little You Need, Isn’t It?"

Rip Wheeler

Rip is full of cowboy wisdom as well as a love for horses. This quote, for one thing, is a great depiction of the Western lifestyle that the Duttons are desperately holding onto. Even as the world is expanding and becoming more accessible, Rip is arguing that humans still don't need very much to survive. Likely, Rip believes that all he needs is the ranch and family. He is a man of simple desires and humble origins which can help others put their outlook on life into perspective.

Lines like this highlight why Rip has become the most popular character on Yellowstone. There is a charm behind his toughness that can make the audience wish they could see the world from his perspective. However, the line also speaks to the tragedy of his character. He is a man indebted to John Dutton and will remain loyal no matter what. Yet there is a sense that if he could leave behind the violence and just work on the ranch he would.

12 “Our First Fight Is Against Being Ignored.”

Thomas Rainwater

Though Yellowstone centers on the Duttons and their ranchers, a portion of the series is used to explore Native American characters like Thomas Rainwater, and this quote is a great example of his role in the show. Rainwater explains that he and his peers have plenty to fight for, but first, they must be seen by society. Rainwater is a powerful leader but is also realistic about how hard his people need to work to get noticed. However, throughout the series, he has done a good job of earning that attention from the Duttons and proving himself a worthy adversary.

The struggles of the Native American people may not always be central on Yellowstone, but it is a key aspect of the story. Quotes like this highlight the real-life issues of the community, including simply being acknowledged by those in power and having their voices heard. With Rainwater one of the more sympathetic characters in the series, it will be interesting to see what the show has in store for him.

11 "It’s The One Constant In Life. You Build Something Worth Having, Someone’s Gonna Try To Take It."

John Dutton

Once again, John Dutton offers a quote that reveals the more pessimistic side of Yellowstone's world. John is a man who is holding onto something in a world that no longer thinks he should have it. There are some legitimate arguments to be made about why the land is in better hands with him than with most of the people looking to buy it. However, his hold on it also causes him to see enemies everywhere and be constantly paranoid about who is coming for his land.

As John sees it, the one thing that will never change in this world is that people will always try to steal what you've created. This quote is especially prevalent for the Dutton ranch, which is constantly threatened by outside factors. John holds onto the ranch with everything he has, sometimes willing to sacrifice too much in order to make it possible. However, there is a sense that he knows it is a losing battle.

10 “Well, I Guess I Should Ride Off Into The Sunset.”

Jimmy Hurdstrom

As much as Yellowstone is dramatic, it also has plenty of moments of levity, especially when it comes to Jimmy. Introduced as a directionless young man with a life filled with trouble, he quickly becomes one of the most endearing characters in the series with his redemption arc and dedication to the ranch lifestyle.

This particular line is also an example of how, even as he becomes a more impressive cowboy, he is still one of the funniest characters on the show. Jimmy, all too aware of his cowboy nature, supposes that he should ride off into the sunset, just like the cowboys would in old Western movies. This is a fun way of Yellowstone pointing out its Western ties and the legacy it is trying to follow. It also cements Jimmy as the fun fish-out-of-water character who gradually learns how to be a real cowboy.

9 “I Can’t Think Of A Better Medicine Than The Stars For A Ceiling.”

Monica Dutton

Oftentimes, Yellowstone's violence is balanced out by its appreciation for nature and life. There is a lot of chaos and brutality to these characters, but this is also juxtaposed with their love and appreciation for the beauty around them. For example, as she and her family continue to struggle with their own hardships, Monica declares that nothing will make a person feel better than lying outside under the stars. This type of dreamy line doesn't come up often in Yellowstone, but when it does, it is quite relatable and enjoyable.

The show always shows an appreciation for the untouched and beautiful land out on the ranch and how this way of life can offer peace just by being in nature. It is lines like this that show how Yellowstone has struck a chord with audiences of all kinds. Even those living in the city can hear this quote and understand the need to escape to the peace of the outdoors.

8 “There’s Sharks And Minnows In This World, Jimmy, And If You Don’t Know Which One You Are, Then You Ain’t A Shark.”

Rip Wheeler

Yellowstone is often so much more than just saving the Dutton ranch. Typically, the characters must be savvy and smart if they want to get their way, and this Rip quote is a great portrayal of that. Rip tells Jimmy that people are either the predator or the prey, and not knowing which is which makes a person obvious prey.

Yet again, Rip adds some incredible wisdom to Yellowstone. From their first scene together, Rip takes a tough stance on teaching Jimmy the realities of the cowboy world and he is not shy about letting Jimmy know that he is not suited for it. It sounds harsh as he says it to the inexperienced Jimmy. However, as frustrated as Rip is with Jimmy at times, it is also a warning to learn how to be a predator in the world or risk being eaten.

7 “Karma Comes In All Shapes And Sizes. Guess It’s Me Today.”

Walker

Like Jimmy, Walker is often the member of the Dutton ranch who has something witty and cutting to say, never really taking the world around him seriously despite the danger. After failing to disappear like he promised, Walker is given one last chance to prove himself a loyal part of the Dutton crew. That task proves to be quite a brutal one as Walker is tasked with carving off the Yellowstone brand from the chest of the treacherous Wade.

Despite the gruesomeness of the act, Walker takes it in stride and offers this philosophical outlook on the matter. He suggests that Wade has done some bad things in his time and Walker is the vessel of justice paying him back for those sins. Ryan Bingham's easy delivery adds to the coolness of Walker as a character, while also suggesting that Walker expects karma to come back around on him one day.

6 "The Only Thing I Ask Is That You Outlive Me So I Never Live Another Day Without You."

Beth Dutton

Although Beth is one of the fiercest characters on Yellowstone, that does not mean that she is lacking in heart. When it comes to Rip, Beth turns out to have more heart than anyone. Yellowstone can often be romantic, and this Beth line is at the top of the list. It combines her strong, stubborn personality with her unending love. There are not a lot of things in life that make her happy, but having Rip by her side seems to be the thing that keeps her grounded more than anything.

While it is unclear what the future of Yellowstone has in store for Beth and Rip, it's possible that this quote foreshadows a tragedy coming their way with Beth either getting her wish or not. Fans would surely like to see these two have their happy ending, but if either of them were to die before the end of the series, there is no limit to the kind of damage the other would do in retribution.