We lived about a quarter mile off Route 17, about a half mile from the town of Greenbow, Alabama.
That's in the county of Greenbow. Our house had been in mama's family since her grandpa's grandpa
had come across the ocean about a thousand years ago something like that. Since it was just me and
mama and we had all these wmpty rooms, mama decided to let those rooms out, mostly to people
passing through, like from, oh, Mobile, Montgomery, places like that. That's how me and mama got
money. Mama was a real smart lady.
Rememver what I told you, Forrest. You're no different than anybody else is. Did you hear what I
said, Forrest? You're the same as everybody else. You're no different.
Your boy's...different, Mrs.Gump. His I.Q is 75.
Well, we're all different, Mr.Hancock.
She wanted me to have the finest education so she took me to the Greenbow County Central School.
I met the principal and all.
I want to show you something, Mrs.Gump. Now, this is normal. Forrest is right here. The state
requires a minimum IQ of 80 to attend public school, Mrs.Gump. He's going to have to go a special
school. Now, he'll be just fine.
What does normal mean anyway? He might be...a bit on the slow side, but my boy Forrest is going to
get the same opportunities as everyone else. He's not going to some special school to learn how to
retread tires. We're talking about five little points here. There must be something can be done.
We're a progressive school system. We don't want to see anybody left behind. Is there a Mr.Gump,
Mrs.Gump?
He's on vacation.
Well, your mama sure does care about your schooling, son. You don't say much, do you?
Finally, he had to try. It looked easy, but...oh, what happened. First they...
Mama, what's vacation mean?
Vacation?
Where daddy went?
Vacation's when you go somewhere...and you don't ever come back.
Anyway, I guess you could say me and mama was on our own. But we didn't mind. Our house was never
empty. There was always folks coming and going.
Supper! It's supper, everyone!
That sure looks special. Sometimes, we had so many people staying with us that every room was
filled, with travelers, you know, folks living out of their suitcases and hat cases and sample
cases.
Forrest Gump, it's suppertime! Forrest?
One time, a young man was staying with us, and he had him a guitar case.
Forrest, I told you not to bother this nice young man.
No, that's all right, ma'am. I was showing him a thing or two on the guitar.
All right. Suppeer's ready if y'all want to eat.
Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you, ma'am.
Sy, man, show me that crazy little walk you did there. Slow it down some.
#You ain't nothing but...#
I like that guitar. It sounded good. I started moving around to the music, swinging my hips.
#Cryin'all the time#
This one night, me and mama was out shopping, and we walked by Vincy's Furniture and Appliance
Store, and guess what?
#You ain't nothin' but a hound dog. Cryin'all the time. You ain't nothin' but a hound dog#
This is not for children's eyes.
#Cryin'all the time#
Some years later, that handsome young man who they called the King, well, he sung too many
songs. Had himself heart attack or somrthing. It must be hard being a king. You know, it's
funny how you remember some things, but some things you can't.
You do your very best now, Forrest.
I sure will, mama.
I remember the bus ride on the first day of school very well.
Are you coming along?
Mama said not to be taking rides from strangers.
This is the bus to school.
I'm Forrest...Forrest Gump.
I'm Dorothy Harris.
We'll, now we ain't strangers anymore.
This seat's taken. It's taken. You can't sit here.
You know, it's funny what a young man recollects, cause I don't remember being born. I don't
recall what I got for my first Christmas, and I don't know when I went on my forst outdoor
picnic, but I do remember the first time I heard the sweetest voice in the wide world.