☝️ Key Points
- The song is a modern interpretation of the classic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, in which Romeo reflects on his failed relationship with Juliet
- Romeo realizes that their relationship was doomed from the start, but he couldn't help falling in love with her
- The chorus showcases the intensity of their love and Juliet's promise to love Romeo forever. However, over time, Romeo realizes that their relationship doesn't work
- Romeo struggles to express his love in the way society expects, showcasing his human limitations
- The song ends with an unanswered call for love, emphasizing the uncertainty and pain of the lover
Interpretation
'Romeo and Juliet' by
Dire Straits is a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy. It is a narrative from the perspective of a disillusioned lover (Romeo) reflecting on a failed relationship with 'Juliet'.
The song begins with Romeo standing beneath Juliet's window and singing a love song, hoping to win her back. However, Juliet coldly dismisses him and reminds him that she now has a new boyfriend.
In the lines 'Juliet, the dice was loaded from the start / And I bet, then you exploded in my heart', Romeo shows his awareness that their relationship was doomed from the beginning, but he couldn't help falling in love with her.
The chorus 'Juliet, when we made love, you used to cry / You said, I love you like the stars above, I'll love you 'til I die' depicts the intensity of their love for each other and how Juliet promised to love him forever. But as time goes by, Romeo realizes that their relationship didn't work out because 'the time was wrong'.
The lines 'I can't do the talks, like they talk on the TV / And I can't do a love song, like the way it's meant to be' show Romeo's inability to express his love the way society expects. Despite his shortcomings, he promises to do everything he can for her because he is still in love with her.
The song ends with Romeo singing a love song once again, hoping that Juliet will reciprocate his love. But the question 'You and me babe, how 'bout it?' remains unanswered, emphasizing the lover's uncertainty and heartache.