Context

This line is spoken by Dory, played by Ellen DeGeneres, in the film Finding Nemo, directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich (2003).

Talk about your stressful situations. In this scene, Marlin argues with Dory and causes her nose to bleed, which is really bad timing with sharks in the 'hood. So they high-fin it out of there, but accidentally drop the only thing that will lead them to Nemo—the diver's mask.

Marlin—a.k.a. Mr. Grumpy Gills—thinks he will never see his son Nemo again. So Dory has a fish-to-fish pep talk with him. She sings, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming." That's Dory-speak for keep on truckin', keep the faith, and keep your eyes on the prize.

Where you've heard it

This quote has become the go-to theme for many graduation speeches. It's also popular with swim coaches, motivational speakers, Disney musicals, and younger family members who say it over and over and over again.

Additional Notable References:

• Mixed-up Disney
• "Which character are you?"
• Meet the real Dory
• Remembering Talia

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Dory is the farthest thing from pretentious, so pull this charming little quote out to show off your warm and fuzzy side.