Here’s why at the Jesus beds they can only talk about all the stupid shit they’ve done—because that’s all they are now, all they’re ever gonna be...
-- Narration (Wayne "Bit" Bittinger) ("Anything Helps")

Importance: Wayne's most recent recovery program has largely entailed group discussion with other recovering addicts about their past failures in relation to their addictions. While such discussion is often crucial to aid recovery and sobriety, Wayne finds it difficult to speak of his past failures and still remain optimistic about the future. This dynamic highlights the tension between recognizing one's mistakes and maintaining hope for the future.

We ain’t like fish…You can do whatever you want.
-- Oren Dessens ("We Live in Water")

Importance: Oren gives this response to his son's cryptic question, "Do we live in water?" (18). Oren has apparently interpreted his son's question as an inquiry regarding personal free will and self-determination. Ironically, Oren gives this answer shortly before his death, a Oren...