Verona
The Prince
If you think you’ve seen it all
Then you better think again
Don’t care how many books you’ve read
Or how many lands you’ve seen
You’re still not prepared for this
Don’t be misled by pretty girls
Or flower gardens everywhere
You’ll soon see what I mean
The family called Capulet
Will not forgive and can’t forget
And the family called Montague
Is as unforgiving too
This is Verona
You’re in Verona
Where hatred is a way of life
And you can cut it with a knife
The hate keeps flowing in their veins
It is more powerful than chains
And they are scared to turn their backs
It isn’t prudent to relax
Not in Verona
Charming Verona
The population is unique
Nobody turns the other cheek
When will they get it in their heads?
That dreams will never leave their beds
Until there is some compromise
And peace illuminates the skies
Of Verona
On the surface all is well
Heaven on earth it would appear
A second look and you’ll see hell
It’s no picnic to live here
Maybe the wound’s too deep and raw
Archaic wounds take long to heal
And Montagues and Capulets
Seem to thrive on their ordeal
What tragic price must we pay
For bad blood to be washed away?
It’s all too sad to contemplate
And it’s all because of hate
In my Verona
Perfect Verona
Two families with an ancient grudge
That all their praying cannot budge
An endless battle of two foes
And neither one can find repose
As families swim against the tide
You’ll meet some people who reside
In Verona
In Verona
This one is called Benvolio
And that’s his friend Mercutio
And here comes Tybalt like a god
It’s been like this since he was born
But in this town I am the law
It’s tough ’cause everyone’s at war
Mercutio
He’s mad, we are the law here
Benvolio
We are too wild to be controlled
Tybalt
I am too brave, I am too bold
Mercutio
Do you bite your thumb, Tybalt?
Tybalt
Does it look like a thumb, Mercutio?
Mercutio
I’ll cut it off, you bastard
Chorus
We’re in Verona
Come to Verona
The population is unique
Nobody turns the other cheek
The hate keeps flowing in our veins
Hate is more powerful than chains
No wonder danger’s in the air
The enemy is everywhere!
Prince
Stop this endless brawling! You fight like mad dogs. You, Capulet! You, Montague! Put down your weapons. I said, put down your weapons! This feud of yours is a plague upon us all. The next one of you, young or old, to break the peace of this city will pay for it with his life. The choice is yours: peace or death.
Born to Hate
Lady Capulet
We’re born to hate
Soon as we leave
Our mother’s womb
Hate’s in the air
And to survive
We breathe its fumes
We love to hate
Hatred’s the third word that we learn
Mama, Papa
And after that it’s hatred’s turn
We’re born to hate
It’s like a serpent in the soul
We’re so consumed
It seems the serpent’s in control
We love to hate
Lady Montague
We are the same
I too can see
Things I despise
Year after year
Poisonous hate
Burns from your eyes
There’s so much hate
Day after day the children grieve
Just look at them
And see the legacy we leave
In every street
A broken heart, a blood-stained sword
We fight to win
But it’s a fight without reward
Lady Capulet
You pay the price
Look at your face
Hate’s in each pore of your wretched skin
Another day, another death
You’ll pass it on to your next of kin
Lady Montague
It makes us old before our time
Hate is a whore, a plague, a curse
I doubt if we will live to see
Hate disappear from the universe
Both
It makes us old before our time
Hate is a whore, a plague, a curse
I doubt if we will live to see
Hate disappear from the universe
Chorus
We’re born to hate
It’s like a serpent in the soul
We’re so consumed
It seems the serpent’s in control
Lady Montague
Benvolio, have you seen Romeo?
Mercutio
My guess is he’s prancing along the river bank
Lady Montague
What are you saying?
Mercutio
Handing out daffodils to complete strangers in the street
Lady Montague
Why?
Mercutio
Because he’s gone mad
Benvolio
If love is madness
Mercutio
Definitely
Lady Montague
Love? Why, who is he in love with?
Mercutio
Rosaline.
Benvolio
The name’s irrelevant. It’s love he’s in love with.
Lady Montague
Well, thank God he missed the fight here. Here he comes.
Benvolio
You better go, he wouldn’t want you to see him like this.
Lady Montague
Look after him, Benvolio.
Benvolio
I always do. Leave him to me.
All days are the same without Love
Romeo
I feel I’m killing time, my life is slipping by
There has to be someone who feels the same as I
I long to find a love that’s deep and strong and true
There has to be someone who wants the same things too
As soon as I find her
My world will start turning
But real love is elusive
That’s something I’m learning
Juliette
They say I’m very young, I’m going through a phase
And I must learn to curb my adolescent ways
There must be more to life than what my eyes have seen
But every yesterday becomes a might-have-been
I am longing
For someone to hold me
And tell me while we’re dancing
What no one has told me
Romeo
All days are the same without love
Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
Juliette
Strange how nothing ever changes
Summers, springs and winters drift by
Romeo & Juliette
All days are the same without love
When no one’s beside you
Who cares if the moon seems closer
Or the stars seem brighter
All days are the same without love
But with love the days grow
Each one’s an adventure
Anything can happen
No heart ever ages
Each day’s been created
For you
All days are the same without love
But with love the days grow
Each one’s an adventure
Anything can happen
No heart ever ages
Each day’s been created
For you
All days are the same without love
Benvolio
Ah, the elusive Romeo. Hey mate, you missed the action.
Romeo
Ah, don’t tell me that.
Benvolio
I played Tybalt, Mercutio followed like a demon.
Romeo
Is he alright?
Benvolio
Yeah, of course, he can look after himself. Then the prince decided
to make a speech. Hey, he singled out your father. ‘The next person
caught fighting in Verona will die for it.’
Romeo
Well, at least hate is simple. Not like love. I don’t know which is worse.
Benvolio
Love, by the looks of it.
Romeo
I’m over it.
Benvolio
Has the boy come back to us then?
Romeo
‘The boy’ didn’t ever leave!
Benvolio
Excellent. The drinks are on you.
The Request of Marriage
Paris
I will make the perfect groom
I love your child and I am rich
So rich, give her to me
What must I do?
I could help you
I’ll pay off your debts
I’ll be like a son
My heart will not rest
‘Til we are one
I beg of you, she is my life
Please allow your Juliet to be my wife
Count Capulet
My dear friend, control your lust
Take a deep breath, you’re overwrought
In short, when one’s aroused
I am afraid mistakes are made
She’s just a child, fourteen tender years
Motherhood must wait, she’s too young for tears
To take a heart before its time
Would be a rash, irresponsible crime
Not Juliet, not quite yet
Take it slow, enjoy the dance
One shouldn’t rush a great romance
Come to the ball tonight and I’ll introduce you to her.
Paris
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Capulet
Well, we’ll see if she takes to you. Tread gently, Paris.
Paris
I will, sir.
Capulet
Good. She’s not ready for the world yet.
Nurse
Juliet, stand up straight, your mother wants a word with you.
Juliet
What now?
Lady Capulet
Juliet. Oh, darling, look at you! You’re growing up so quickly. You’re almost a woman.
Juliet
A woman? I’m not even fifteen.
Lady Capulet
Ah, there are ladies all over Verona much younger than you – married, already mothers. I
was married and pregnant at your age.
Juliet
Well, I haven’t even thought about any of that.
Lady Capulet
Well, perhaps you should. The point is, you’re blossoming. Oh. There’s a young man called Paris coming to the ball tonight.
Juliet
Paris? What sort of name is Paris? I bet you he’s vile.
Lady Capulet
Juliet!
Juliet
Well?
Nurse
No, he’s virile! If I were two or three years younger, I’d be…
Lady Capulet
Talk to him this evening. I promise you, there isn’t a sweeter man in Verona.
Juliet
He’s a bore, isn’t he?
Nurse
He’s good-hearted, Juliet, and he’s well-respected.
Lady Capulet
And very rich.
Nurse
Just give the boy a chance.
You Must Marry
Lady Capulet
For all its faults
Whatever cynics say
Marriage, my dear
Invigorates each day
How lucky you are
For somebody so young
Juliet
But I’m not in love
Lady Capulet
For once, hold your tongue
He’s handsome and rich
He’s sent from above
How stupid of Paris
To have picked you to love
Lady Capulet and Nurse
Juliet and Paris
Your names seem to go so well
Time to think of marriage
Nurse
Listen to your mother
Lady Capulet
My daughter, the bride!
Last night I just cried and cried
Juliet
Wasted tears, mother
I’m not a bride yet!
I’m thrilled he asked
But I prefer to wait
I doubt he’s the type
That I’d choose for a mate
Lady Capulet
That’s just where you’re wrong
It’s all a game of chance
The world’s full of hags
Who waited for romance
Juliet
I’m not in love
I cannot be his wife
Nurse
Your daughter is spoiled
She has been all her life
A room full of toys
And still she wanted more
Lady Capulet
They’re still in her room
All over the floor
Dream the same dreams
To fall head over heels
But fate makes sure that everyone
Adjusts their ideals
You’ll grow to love him
As I did your father
On the day we met
He was in a state
Well, he could hardly stand up straight
He was drunk and overweight
Juliet
You’re starting to sound
Like an old mother hen
Lady Capulet
You will have to learn to
Change your thinking about men
Why, even the Bible
Gets revised now and again
Romeo
I had you!
Benvolio
Yeah, right! You’re far too busy dreaming.
Romeo
What’s wrong with that?
Mercutio
Well, dreams aren’t real. But this is! You need to watch dreams. They get into your head and rule your life.
What you need is some real action. How about this? The Capulets are having a huge party!
Romeo
Oh, no…
Benvolio
I’ve heard he’s spent a fortune
Mercutio
Hundreds of people
Benvolio
We couldn’t let a party like that pass us by
Mercutio
No, we couldn’t
Benvolio
So we’ve invited ourselves
Mercutio
And you
Romeo
That’s a really bad idea, guys
Mercutio
C’mon, don’t be such a wimp
Benvolio
Anyway, they won’t recognize us. It’s a masked ball.
Romeo
Is it?
Mercutio
Ay, it is. There’ll be birds…
Benvolio
And booze
Mercutio
And birds…
Benvolio
And dancing
Romeo
I’m too out of love to dance
Mercutio
Oh, lucky, ’cause you’ve got two left feet
Romeo
This is crazy
Mercutio
Why shouldn’t we crash it? We have as much right to have fun as those Capulets do.
We’ll be in and out before those dozy bastards realize they’ve been had!
Kings of the World
Romeo
Kings of the world running our lives
Powerful husbands with ambitious wives
Ever-so-smug ’cause they make all the rules
They are not kings, just a bunch of old fools
Benvolio
Kings of the world planning ahead
They haven’t noticed they’re already dead
They eat the fat and they toss us the bones
Transparent kings sitting on paper thrones
Refrain
We know how to live, we squeeze the juice
From every moment, we make love
Day after day, night after night
We sing, we dance, it makes no sense
In being careful
Not when time flies like an arrow
We take every risk that’s out there
We’re prepared to take that chance
We are the….
Mercutio
Kings of the world, free as the wind
Looking for sins that we haven’t yet sinned
They think they’re smart, but they’re really quite dumb
You miss the tune when you’re banging your drum
Romeo and Benvolio
Kings of the world, they’re just a joke
They are not kings, they’re just misguided folk
Boring as hell and as dull as can be
One thing’s for sure: they would love to be me
Refrain to fadeout
Nurse
Juliet, hurry. What are you waiting for?
Juliet
I’ve decided I’m not going to get married.
Nurse
Oh, stop behaving like a brat.
Juliet
Don’t talk to me like that! You know what I mean, I know you do.
Who is this Paris, and why should I automatically love him?
Nurse
What makes you think that getting married has anything to do with love,
you silly girl?
Juliet
I thought I was a woman now, you old battle-axe.
Nurse
Never call me old again.
Juliet
You’ve been in love, you know what it’s like.
Nurse
Darling, having a husband’s a bit like having a piece of old furniture.
You don’t have to love it, you just give it a quick polish now and again.
Juliet
You’re horrible! He’s a stranger.
Nurse
But we’ll all be there, your father, and Tybalt. And me. And you look
so beautiful.
Juliet
Do I?
Nurse
Was that a smile?
Juliet
I’ll never smile again.
Nurse
Is that so? There, now that’s better.
Juliet
Don’t leave me alone with him.
Nurse
C’mon, let’s go and show them what you’re made of.
Born to Love
Romeo
I know there is a God
And He has heard my prayer
That face, look at that face
Look at those eyes
What star did you fall from?
Juliet
I know why I’m alive
I see the reason why
That smile, heart-stopping smile
Those breath-taking lips
I will not forget this moment
Romeo
You and I were born to love
Finally my life has now begun
Juliet
You and I were born to love
Finally my heart you have won
Romeo
Nothing in this world will stand in our way
Juliet
You don’t have to speak, I hear what you say
Both
You and I were born to love
Finally my life has now begun
Our love will have legacy
Longer than eternity
You and I were born to love
Finally my life has now begun
Our love will have legacy
Longer than eternity
Capulet
Tybalt! What is my daughter doing with that waiter?
Tybalt
That’s no waiter. I’d know the stench of a Montague anywhere.
Capulet
Get out of my house!
Mercutio
Romeo!
Romeo
Mercutio. Wait! Mercutio, wait. Mercutio!
A Capulet
I can’t find them. They’ll hide in their own part of town.
Tybalt
Uncle, Montagues in your house!
Capulet
Yes. And I’ll see them burn in hell if one of them so much as looks at Juliet again.
Tybalt
I’d do anything for Juliet. I love her.
Capulet
Of course you do. We all do. What was she thinking? It’s time to get her married to Paris, before something goes wrong.
Tybalt
Yes.
She Can’t See Me
Tybalt
She can’t see me
She can’t hear me
One day, she’ll know I exist
I will charm her ’till she loves me
Not a single joy will be missed
In her eyes, I’m just a cousin
Soon my feelings will become clear
If she knew how much I love her
She would stop and re-think her life
I’m the one who she should marry
She can’t be another man’s wife
One day I’ll be brave and tell her
I’ll destroy whoever comes near
Juliet
I’ve fallen in love … but it’s with a Montague. Love, from hate. Is it possible?
Romeo
Yes, because a Montague has fallen in love with a Capulet.
Juliet
Your name is my enemy. Get rid of it.
Romeo
It’s gone! I’m no longer a Montague. Do you love me?
Juliet
Yes. And I’m not a Capulet if you swear you love me back.
Romeo
I swear to God! I love you.
Juliet
Our families … we’re insane! (?)
Romeo
It’s only us, Juliet. Where are our parents now?
Juliet
My head’s rushing.
Two Different Worlds
Juliet
Who is the god above me
Who summoned that you should love me?
Why has he blessed us in this way?
I know I’ll thank him every day
My heart was wise to choose you
But they’ll want me to refuse you
Now that we know where we belong
They’re bound to say it’s wrong
Just take a look around us
A sea of fools surround us
But they will see before we’re done
Two different worlds become one
Romeo
What star or god above me
Decided that you should love me?
Forbidden love comes at a price
But it is worth the sacrifice
They don’t know what they’re saying
This love of ours is staying
I’m not prepared to say goodbye
Until the day I die
Both
Two different worlds they live in
Why don’t they all just give in?
The winds of war keep blowing
The seeds of hate keep growing
All I want to do
Is live and die with you
My heart was wise to choose you
There’s no way I can refuse you
And they will see before we’re done
Two different worlds come one
My heart was wise to choose you
I’d rather die than ever lose you
We’ll make them see before we’re done
Two different worlds come one
Nurse
Juliet!
Juliet
My nurse! She’s so nosy, you have to go.
Romeo
Wait! When will I see you next?
Juliet
Tomorrow. Tell me tomorrow if you still love me. Tell me, tell me you’ll marry me! Find a place, get a priest, and send me a message.
Romeo
I’ll do it, Juliet! We’ll get married.
Juliet
You’re a Montague. Never lie to me.
Nurse
Juliet!
Romeo
I love you, Juliet.
Juliet
And I love you.
Romeo
Till tomorrow then.
Juliet
Tomorrow.
The next morning
Romeo
Father, I have sinned.
Friar
The Lord is forgiving. How have you sinned, my son?
Romeo
I have had unclean thoughts.
Friar
Have you acted upon these thoughts?
Romeo
I’ve asked the girl to marry me.
Friar
That’s wonderful, my son! You needn’t feel guilty about such thoughts. They’re the natural urgings of youth, and when contained within the blessed bond of matrimony, will lead to the fulfillment of married life.
Romeo
I don’t think so, Father.
Friar
Why should that be, my son?
Romeo
You don’t know who the girl is.
Friar
Is there something the matter with her?
Romeo
No! She’s perfect.
Friar
Then I’m sure your union will be blessed.
Romeo
Her name is Juliet.
Friar
A pretty name.
Romeo
Juliet…Capulet
Friar
Have you lost your head?! They’ll murder you, Romeo. You’re a Montague.
Romeo
Because I’m a Montague, I can’t love her?
All For Love
Friar
Love makes fools out of wise men
Romeo
But without love, what are we?
Friar
My love is for God
Romeo
I’m in love with an angel
Friar
Love can be an illusion
Romeo
This love is no illusion
Friar
Can you trust your young heart?
Romeo
Until death do us part
Marry me, I beg you
I want to lay down beside her
Friar, please
I promise I’ll pray every single day
If you’ll marry me
Friar
Are you sure? Are you certain?
Romeo
As the dawn, as the sunset
Friar
Marriage may be the way
Could it end all their hatred?
Could it be…?
Romeo
Living without her would be too much to bear
What good’s a morning without Juliet there?
Friar
A Montague, a Capulet, living as man and wife
I will be either be blessed or I’ll be damned for life
Romeo
Your God will forgive
He knows that our love is true
Friar
I was thinking of my soul for a moment or two
Romeo
You have the power to make sure all fighting ends
Imagine Capulets being Montagues’ friends
Friar, please
Both
All for love we are living
Every day we are giving, all for love
Friar
I will marry you
Both
What things we do, all for love
Romeo
You’ve got to help me, Father. There’s no one else.
Friar
Yes. I see I must. Who knows, perhaps some good will come out of this madness. Your families have hated each other for too long. Bring Juliet here tonight. I will marry you here in the chapel.
Mercutio
Well, well, what have we here? Mutton dressed as…
Benvolio
…mutton!
Nurse
I’m looking for Romeo Montague.
Mercutio
Hey Benvolio! We’ve got an old bag here, looking for Romeo.
Benvolio
The question is, why?
Mercutio
Even he’s not that desperate.
Nurse
Wash your mouth out with … I have a message for him.
Mercutio
Let’s hear it then.
Nurse
You’re boys, you wouldn’t understand it.
Mercutio
Let me guess. Some infatuous girl’s fallen in love with him, and she thinks she’s more important than the rest of them.
Nurse
You wouldn’t know love if it pricked you in the …
Mercutio
She’s old, and she’s wise. Bet she could teach us a thing or two about love, eh?
Ugly or Beautiful
Nurse
Ha, ha, ha! I hear you laugh!
Ha, ha, ha! Such a childish laugh
You don’t understand what it means to love
You should not make fun of the heart
Ha, ha, ha! You are so cocksure
I’m met imbeciles who are more mature
You live half a life, you walk in the shade
If the game of love isn’t ever played
You should heed my words
Mercutio
Ha, ha, ha! Well, that is rich
What can we hope to learn from this worn-out witch?
Handsome Romeo is just having fun
They’ll be this one, and then another one
Love is for the birds
All
Ugly or beautiful
Life is all twists and turns
No map to show us where to go
Where will life lead us
Who’s to know?
Ugly or beautiful
We’re all afraid of love
We guard against it with our lives
But we thank God we’re here to rise
Nurse
Ha, ha, ha! What can I do?
‘Ha ha ha’ is all I get from you
You are all so vain
Love is just a joke
One day all your dreams will go up in smoke
Laughter turns to screams
Benvolio
Ha ha ha! Love is just a phase
With the young it can last for days
Lovers’ tears aren’t real, and their pain’s not deep
It’s a time to laugh, not a time to weep
They dream harmless dreams
All
Ugly or beautiful
Life is all twists and turns
No map to show us where to go
Where will life lead us
Who’s to know?
Ugly or beautiful
We’re all afraid of love
We guard against it with our lives
But we thank God we’re here to rise
Benvolio
Ugly or beautiful
We’re all afraid, afraid of love
Mercutio
Love is only for the birds
All
Ugly or beautiful
Life is all twists and turns
No map to show us where to go
Where will life lead us
Who’s to know?
Ugly or beautiful
We’re all afraid of love
We guard against it with our lives
But we thank God we’re here to rise
Nurse
I risked my life coming here for you today. This is from Juliet. … Go home, you children.
Romeo
‘……Romeo. Tell my nurse what I should do.’
Tell her to meet me at Friar Lawrence’s at sunset.
Nurse
The friar’s, why?
Romeo
Just tell her. Oh…and tell her that I love her.
And Now She is in Love
Nurse
I have cared for her
Each day of her young life
The baby in my arms
Is soon to be a wife
She isn’t of my flesh
She doesn’t share my name
Her humour and her looks
Aren’t something I can claim
My Juliet is grown up
And now she is in love
And everything has changed
Her feelings and her hair
Have all be re-arranged
And while her heart bursts
Mine’s starting to break
I am only her nurse
So why do I find this so hard to take?
She’s eager to fly
But oh, how fragile her wings
But then she’s in love
Wide-eyed Romeo
And love-struck Juliet
It seems their love was doomed
Before they even met
Their worlds are worlds apart
Too much of a divide
Her heart is bound to break
If she becomes his bride
Juliet, I’m frightened
But she is so in love
And every day’s a dance
And good old common sense
Doesn’t stand a chance
I’ve done all I can
What more can I do?
When I was in love like her
I was foolish too…
So eager to fly
Oh how fragile my wings
But then, I was in love
The air I was breathing then
Was like vintage wine
And the darkest of nights
Still managed to shine
The love disappeared
The memory stayed
There’s still a glimmer alive in me
That will never fade
I know how she feels
She’s eager to fly
But then she’s in love
Now she is in love
These Are My Rivers
Romeo
Your eyes, these are my rivers
One glance can start a journey
That takes me to wondrous places
Your eyes, these are my rivers
Juliet
Your arms, these are my mountains
Hold me, and stars seem closer
No one can ever reach us
Your arms, these are my mountains
Romeo & Juliet
No need to ever wonder
We have the world before us
Don’t move, let’s always stay here
My heart, has found its way here
Juliet
Your smile, your voice, your laughter
New worlds that need exploring
Romeo
And yet there’s no need to leave here
Romeo & Juliet
These things, these are my rivers
All
Your eyes, these are my rivers
One glance can start a journey
That takes me to wondrous places
Your eyes, these are my rivers
Your arms, these are my mountains
Romeo
These are my mountains
Chorus
Hold me, and stars seem closer
Romeo
Stars seem closer
Chorus
No one can ever reach us
Your arms, these are my mountains
Your smile, your voice, your laughter
Juliet
Your smile, your voice
Chorus
New worlds that need exploring
Romeo
Exploring
Chorus
And yet there’s no need to leave here
These things, they’ll be my rivers
Always, always, always, always