I guess sometimes the past just catches up with you, whether you want it to or not. Usually death row was called "The Last Mile". We called ours "The Green Mile" - the floor was the color of faded limes. We had the electric chair, "Old Sparky" we called it. Oh, I've lived a lot of years, Ellie, but 1935 - that takes the prize. That year I had the worst urinary infection of my life, andÖ that wasÖ that was also the year ofÖ John Coffey andÖ the two dead girls.
Paul Edgecomb
What happens on the mile stays on the mile. Always has.
Paul Edgecomb
I've done some things in my life I'm not proud of, but this is the first time I've ever felt in real danger of hell.
Paul Edgecomb
A big man is ripping your ears off Percy. I'd do as he says.
Paul Edgecomb
That man is mean and careless and stupid, and that's a bad combination in a place like this. Sooner or later, he's gonna get somebody hurt, or worse.
Paul Edgecomb
And you, Elaine. You'll die, too. And my curseÖ is knowing that I'll be there to see it. It's my torment, you see. It's my punishment for lettin' John Coffey ride the lightnin'. For killin' a miracle of God. Ö You'll be gone like all the others, and I'll have to stay. Oh, I'll die eventually ó of that I'm sure. I have no illusions of immortality. But I will have wished for deathÖ long before death finds me. In truth, I wish for it already.
Paul Edgecomb
We each owe a death ó there are no exceptions ó but, oh God, sometimes the Green Mile seems so long.
Paul Edgecomb
Why, they's angels. Angels just like up in heaven.
John Coffey
Bar-be-QUE! Me and you! Stinky-pinky, fue-fue-fue! Wen't Billy, Jilly, Hilly or Pa! It was a french-fried cajon named Delacroix! WOO!
Wild Bill