About the song
“Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits is a quintessential ballad that resonates deeply with fans of classic rock and storytelling through music. Released on September 27, 1980, the song is a standout track from the band’s acclaimed album, “Making Movies”. This album is particularly notable for its intricate storytelling and sophisticated sound, which marked a significant evolution in Dire Straits’ musical journey.
At its core, “Romeo and Juliet” is a modern reimagining of the timeless Shakespearean tragedy, capturing the essence of love and heartbreak through a contemporary lens. The lyrics, penned by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Mark Knopfler, weave a poignant narrative that draws parallels between the classic tale of star-crossed lovers and the trials of a modern romantic relationship. The song’s evocative imagery and emotive delivery reflect the tension and yearning that characterize Shakespeare’s original play, making it a powerful homage to the bard’s work.
“Romeo and Juliet” stands out not only for its lyrical depth but also for its distinctive musical style. The track is driven by Knopfler’s signature fingerstyle guitar playing, which creates a lush, melodic backdrop that complements the song’s lyrical themes. The arrangement features a blend of rock and folk influences, with a subtle yet compelling rhythm that enhances the song’s emotional impact. This musical approach helped to solidify Dire Straits’ reputation as innovative and influential musicians within the rock genre.
The song’s release in 1980 came at a time when Dire Straits was gaining significant popularity. The success of “Romeo and Juliet” contributed to the album’s critical and commercial success, and it quickly became one of the band’s most beloved tracks. Over the years, it has been widely praised for its lyrical sophistication and musical craftsmanship, and it continues to be a staple in the band’s live performances.
In terms of social impact, “Romeo and Juliet” has endured as a classic example of how rock music can blend literary themes with contemporary issues. The song’s ability to resonate with audiences across different generations speaks to its timeless quality and universal appeal. Its influence extends beyond the music industry, inspiring various artists and creators who appreciate its melding of storytelling and musical artistry.
In summary, “Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits is more than just a song; it is a profound musical narrative that bridges the gap between classical literature and modern rock. Released on September 27, 1980, as part of the “Making Movies” album, it showcases Mark Knopfler’s exceptional songwriting and guitar skills. The track’s enduring popularity and critical acclaim underscore its significance in the realm of rock music, making it a timeless piece that continues to captivate and inspire.
Video
Lyrics
A lovestruck Romeo sang the streets a serenadeLaying everybody low with a love song that he madeFinds a streetlight, steps out of the shadeSays something like, “You and me, babe, how about it?”Juliet says, “Hey, it’s Romeo, you nearly gave me a heart attack”He’s underneath the window, she’s singing, “Hey, la, my boyfriend’s backYou shouldn’t come around here singing up at people like thatAnyway, what you gonna do about it?”“Juliet, the dice was loaded from the startAnd I bet, and you exploded into my heartAnd I forget, I forget the movie songWhen you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?”Come up on different streets, they both were streets of shameBoth dirty, both mean, yes, and the dream was just the sameAnd I dreamed your dream for you and now your dream is realHow can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?When you can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of goldYou can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they holdYou promised me everything, you promised me thick and thin, yeahNow you just say “Oh, Romeo, yeah, you know I used to have a scene with him”“Juliet, when we made love, you used to cryYou said ‘I love you like the stars above, I’ll love you ’til I die’There’s a place for us, you know the movie songWhen you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?”I can’t do the talks like they talk on the TVAnd I can’t do a love song like the way it’s meant to beI can’t do everything but I’ll do anything for youI can’t do anything except be in love with youAnd all I do is miss you and the way we used to beAll I do is keep the beat, the bad companyAll I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhymeJulie, I’d do the stars with you any time“Juliet, when we made love you used to cryYou said ‘I love you like the stars above, I’ll love you ’til I die’There’s a place for us you know the movie songWhen you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?”And a lovestruck Romeo, he sang the streets a serenadeLaying everybody low with a love song that he madeFind a convenient streetlight, steps out of the shadeHe says something like, “You and me, babe, how about it?”“You and me, babe, how about it?”