The Tree of Life Monologues

The story of a family in Waco, Texas in 1956. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence and struggles with his parents' conflicting teachings.

Toscanini once recorded a piece sixty five times. You know what he said when he finished? "It could be better." Think about it. Think about it. Twenty-seven patents your father had. It means ownership, ownership of ideas. You gotta sew 'em up. Get them by the nuts if you pardon my French.

Your mother's naive. It takes fierce will to get ahead in this world. If you're good, people take advantage of you.

Be rich. You make yourself what you are. You have control of your own destiny. Can't say I can't. You see I'm having trouble. I'm not done yet. Can't say I can't.

I wanted to be loved cause I was great, a Big Man. Now I'm nothing. Look. The glory around... trees, birds... I dishonored it all and didn't notice the glory. A foolish man.

They're closing the plant. I was given this choice: no job or transfer to a job nobody wants.

You're all I have. You're all I want to have. You're a sweet boy.

The world lives by a trigger. If you want to succeed, you can't be too good!

You know Jack, all I ever wanted for you was to make you strong and grow up and be your own boss. Maybe I've been tough on you. I'm not proud of that.

It was about all I've done in life, otherwise I've drawn a zilch. You're all I have, you're all I want to have. My sweet boy.