Drink Quote by Charles Bukowski
““Look, barkeeper, I'm a peaceful man. Fairly normal. I don't sniff armpits or wear ladies' underwear. But everywhere I go, somebody is pushing shots at me, they give me no rest. Why is this? -I think you got it comin' somehow. -Well, Eddie, you stop thinking and see if you can fix me a double vodka and tonic, touch of lime. -We don't got no lime. -Yeah, you have. I can see it from here. -That lime's not for you -Yeah? Who's it for? Elizabeth Taylor? Now, if you want to sleep in your own bed tonight, I'll have that lime. In my drink. Pronto.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Lime” (fictional dialogue), 1970s
A man feels trapped by relentless pressures, seeking escape through humor and a drink, highlighting the absurdity of coping mechanisms.
In simple terms: Life feels oppressive, seeking relief.
Key Takeaway
Find humor, but confront the source of pressure.
Themes
oppression
humor
escape
addiction
social pressure
absurdity
Mood
cynical
ironic
defiant
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- bars
- personal crises
- social expectations
- addiction recovery
Key Concepts
Coping strategies
existential dread
self‑medication
Questions to Reflect On
- What pressures are you ignoring?
- Can humor replace genuine solutions?
A Different Perspective
Escapism can mask deeper issues.
