--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They tried to get me - I got them first!…" description: "\"They tried to get me - I got them first! [Suicide.]\" — Vachel Lindsay" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/090/vachel-lindsay-22377_firsts_they-tried-to-get-me-i-got-them-first-su_2000254.jpg" --- # They tried to get me - I got them first! \[Suicide.\] ![“They tried to get me - I got them first! [Suicide.]” quote by Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/090/vachel-lindsay-22377_firsts_they-tried-to-get-me-i-got-them-first-su_2000254.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/090/vachel-lindsay-22377_firsts_they-tried-to-get-me-i-got-them-first-su_2000254.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/090/vachel-lindsay-22377_firsts_they-tried-to-get-me-i-got-them-first-su_2000254.jpg) > “They tried to get me - I got them first! \[Suicide.\]” [Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A defiant response to being pursued, turning threat into preemptive action. **In simple terms:** Fight back before being harmed. Key Takeaway Act decisively when threatened. Themes defiance survival conflict self‑preservation agency Mood dramatic intense Type literary warning When to use this quote - dangerous encounters - bullying situations - self‑defense scenarios Key Concepts power dynamics reactive strategy personal safety Questions to Reflect On - When is preemptive action justified? - What non‑violent alternatives exist? A Different Perspective Violence may escalate conflict and cause harm. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Suicide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suicide/) ## Related quotes > [They tried to get me-I got them first! 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They all have a sudden and unexpected end, that challenges…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vachel-lindsay/i-think-on-death-as-the-apparent-end-of-the-illusions-that-encompass/) [Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) > [This is the sin against the Holy Ghost: - To speak of bloody power as right divine, And call on God to guard each…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vachel-lindsay/this-is-the-sin-against-the-holy-ghost-to-speak-of-bloody-power-as/) [Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) > [They tried to get me-I got them first! 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I, the unloving, say life should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vachel-lindsay/i-am-unjust-but-i-can-strive-for-justice-my-life-s-unkind-but-i-can/) [Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) > [Oh, I have walked in Kansas Through many a harvest field, And piled the sheaves of glory there And down the wild rows reeled:…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vachel-lindsay/oh-i-have-walked-in-kansas-through-many-a-harvest-field-and-piled-the/) [Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) > [Let not young souls be smothered out Before they do quaint deeds And fully flaunt their pride.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vachel-lindsay/let-not-young-souls-be-smothered-out-before-they-do-quaint-deeds-and/) [Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) > [Factory windows are always brokenOther windows are let alone.No one throws through the chapel-windowThe bitter, snarling, derisive stone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vachel-lindsay/factory-windows-are-always-brokenother-windows-are-let-alone-no-one/) [Vachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) [Explore all 27 Vachel Lindsay quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vachel-lindsay/) ## More Firsts quotes > [I always say there are two things to be successful. 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