The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 11.1714  Monday, 11 September 2000.

From:           Jimmy Jung <
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Date:           Friday, 08 Sep 2000 11:12:54 -0400
Subject:        Re: Romeo is Bleeding

I know this is a dead thread, but I've been trying to figure out Tom
Wait's, since someone recommended his album "Rain Dogs."  Below, please
find the lyrics to "Romeo is Bleeding," the apparent source of the movie
title (from the Tom Waits web site <www.officialtomwaits.com>).

Romeo is Bleeding
            romeo is bleeding but not so as you'd notice
            he's over on 18th street as usual
            looking so hatd against the hood of his car
            ans putting out a cigarette in his hand
            and for all the pachucos at the pumps
            at romeros paint and body
            they all seein how far they can spit
            well it was just another night
            but now they're huddled in the brake lights of a 58 belair
            and listenin how romeo killed a sheriff with his knife

            and they all jump when they hear the sirens
            but romeo just laughs and says
            all the racket in the world ain't never gonna
            save that coppers ass
            he'll never see another summertime
            for gunnin down my brother
            and leavin him like a dog
            beneath a car without his knife

            and romeo says hey man gimme a cigarette
            and they all reach for their pack
            and frankie lights it for him and pats him on the back
            and throws a bottle at a milk truck
            and as it breaks he grabs his nuts
            and they all know they could ve just like romeo
            if they only had the guts

            but romeo is bleeding but nobody can tell
            and he sings along with the radio
            with a bullet in his chest
            and he combs back his fenders
            and they all agree its clear
            that everything is cool now that romeos here
            but romeo is bleeding
            and he winches now and then and he leans against
            the car door and feels the blood in his shoes
            and someones crying in the phone booth
            at the 5 points by the store
            romeo starts his engine
            and wipes the blood of the door
            and he brodys through the signal
            with the radio full blast
            leavin the boys there hikin up their chinos
            and they all try to stand like romeo
            beneath the moon cut like a sickle
            and they're talkin now in spanish about their hero

            but romeo is bleeding as he gives the man his ticket
            and he climbs to the balcony at the movies
            and he'll die without a whimper
            like every hero's dream
            just an angel with a bullet
            and cagney in the screen

I do know that a pachuco is a Mexican-American gang member and a brody
is a fast turn in an car where the rear end breaks loose and the tires
squeal, but I still having a hard time connecting it to the Veronan
(aside from his death)

Jimmy

Another Romeo lyric from my other favorite poet:

Well, like a cool Romeo he made his moves, oh she looked so fine. Like a
late Juliet she knew she'd never be true but then she really didn't
mind.    -Bruce Springsteen