Throughout history, many famous and influential figures have had memorable last words before their death. Their final statements often provide insight into their lives, personalities, beliefs, and how they viewed their own mortality. Some faced death with courage and defiance, others with humor and wit. The most badass last words are those that capture a bold, brave, and uncompromising spirit right up until the very end. They make a powerful final impression and have become an enduring part of these historical figures’ legacies.
Famous Confrontational Last Words
Some of the most badass last words come from those who refused to go quietly and used their final statements as an act of defiance. These bold individuals stared death in the face and had some choice final words for their executioners or circumstances.
Nathan Hale (1776)
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Spoken by this American soldier, spy, and revolutionary before being hanged for espionage by the British during the Revolutionary War. His courageous sacrifice is remembered today in his eloquent and unapologetic last words.
Marie Antoinette (1793)
“Pardon me sir, I did not mean to do it.” – The former Queen of France accidentally stepped on her executioner’s foot on her way to the guillotine during the French Revolution. Her sarcastic apology shows her boldness and contempt for her situation.
Robert Emmet (1803)
“Let no man write my epitaph… When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and not till then, let my epitaph be written.” – The Irish nationalist was sentenced to death by hanging after leading a failed rebellion against British rule. His brave last words reflect his devotion to the cause of Irish independence.
Nathan Hale (1776)
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Spoken by this American soldier, spy, and revolutionary before being hanged for espionage by the British during the Revolutionary War. His courageous sacrifice is remembered today in his eloquent and unapologetic last words.
Comedic and Witty Last Statements
Other badass final words are memorable for their humor, wit, and ability to laugh in the face of death. Their one-liners and clever quips have become iconic send-offs.
Sir Thomas More (1535)
“The King’s good servant, but God’s first.” – Spoken by the English philosopher and statesman after being condemned for treason by King Henry VIII, displaying his boldness and wit right before his beheading.
Thomas de Mahy, Marquis de Favras (1790)
“I see that you have made three spelling mistakes.” – The French aristocrat criticized the mistakes he noticed while reading his own death warrant before being hanged during the French Revolution.
Matthew Baker (1589)
“Thus will I die. I ask only that the rope be long enough and that it be tied tightly around my bald but beautiful head so that my eyes pop out prettily for the crowd.” – The little-known English poet turned his own hanging into one last performance
John Maynard Keynes (1946)
“I wish I’d drunk more champagne.” – The influential British economist mused on some regrets right before his death, displaying his characteristic wit.
Humphrey Bogart (1957)
“I should never have switched from Scotch to Martinis.” – The iconic American actor made one final quip about his drinking preferences while on his deathbed.
Fearless Last Words
Other badass final statements come from those who faced death head-on and made a powerful statement of strength and resilience with their last words.
Nathan Hale (1776)
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Spoken by this American soldier, spy, and revolutionary before being hanged for espionage by the British during the Revolutionary War. His courageous sacrifice is remembered today in his eloquent and unapologetic last words.
Chief Tecumseh (1813)
“I wish I could see the moon one last time.” – The legendary Native American leader of the Shawnee tribe maintained his poise and wistful spirit before his death in battle during the War of 1812.
Ned Kelly (1880)
“Such is life.” – The iconic Australian outlaw faced his hanging with these boldly resigned words, which have become a popular expression in Australia.
Louise Glaum (1970)
“Damn it, don’t you dare ask God to help me!” – The early silent film actress remained fierce and defiant up until her death from cancer at age 81.
Controversial Last Words
Some divisive historical figures used their final statements to stay true to their beliefs and make a lasting impact with bold or shocking last words.
John Brown (1859)
“I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.” – The controversial abolitionist predicted a civil war would be necessary to end slavery just before his hanging for leading an unsuccessful slave revolt.
Leon Czolgosz (1901)
“I killed the President because he was the enemy of the good people – the good working people.” – The assassin of President William McKinley stood by his actions before his execution by electric chair.
Tom “Black Jack” Ketchum (1901)
“I’ll be in Hell before you start breakfast, boys!” – The notorious outlaw mocked his executioners before becoming the only man decapitated during a hanging in America. His defiant words matched his rebellious nature.
Timothy McVeigh (2001)
“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” – The Oklahoma City bomber quoted the poem “Invictus” as his final statement before his execution by lethal injection.
Poetic Last Words
Some individuals made their mark with beautifully poetic final words that capture the romanticism of the moment.
Dominique Bouhours (1702)
“I am about to – or I am going to – die. Either expression is correct.” – The French essayist neatly summarized the pedantic attitude for which he was known while on his deathbed.
Eugene O’Neill (1953)
“Born in a hotel room, and God damn it, died in a hotel room.” – The acclaimed American playwright summed up the tragic arc of his life in his last words in a hotel suite.
Marcel Proust (1922)
“Turn down the light, it is time to sleep.” – The great French novelist famous for his seven-volume epic “In Search of Lost Time” made a poetic and poignant final statement.
Theodore Roosevelt (1919)
“Put out the light.” – The colorful American president appropriated this line from Shakespeare’s “Othello” as his final words before his death in his sleep.
Religious Last Words
Many badass figures left the world with moving final statements of religious devotion and belief in an afterlife.
Jean Paul Marat (1793)
“Help me, my dear friend, I am dying.” – The radical French revolutionary who was assassinated in his bathtub is said to have uttered these poignant religious last words to a crucifix held by his wife.
Harriet Tubman (1913)
“Swing low, sweet chariot.” – The renowned abolitionist and activist quoted the gospel song in reference to approaching death just before her passing.
Oscar Wilde (1900)
“This wallpaper is killing me. One of us has to go.” – The famously witty playwright is said to have made this comedic lament about the hideous wallpaper in his hotel room in his last days.
Ethan Allen (1789)
“Waiting are they? Waiting are they? Well–let ’em wait.” – When told that the angels were waiting for him on the other side, the American Revolutionary fighter boldly told them to wait in these triumphant last words.
Legacy-Building Last Words
Some famous figures intentionally tried to shape how they would be remembered with their final statements.
Henry David Thoreau (1862)
“Now comes good sailing.” – The American author and naturalist called back to his famous book “Walden” to compare death to a peaceful boat trip just before he succumbed to tuberculosis.
Karl Marx (1883)
“Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.” – In keeping with his signature cantankerous spirit, the pioneering philosopher and economist remained terse and taciturn up until his end.
Leonardo da Vinci (1519)
“I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.” – The iconic Renaissance figure wished his masterpieces could have been even greater in his modest yet aspirational final statement.
Malcolm X (1965)
“Brothers! Brothers, please! This is a house of peace!” – After converting to more inclusive beliefs, the civil rights leader tried to stop a fatal conflict right before he was assassinated, pleading for peace in his impactful last words.
Conclusion
Throughout history, many great figures have summed up their lives, beliefs, personalities, and legacies in memorable last words. The most badass final statements are those that capture a bold, defiant, unwavering spirit or cut right to the essence of the speaker. Whether witty, poetic, religious, or confrontational, their last words made a powerful final impression. The above examples highlight some of the most iconic, insightful, daring, and poetic last words ever spoken.