The text of this composition was not originally intended by Shakespeare as a song lyric. It is derived from Mercutio’s dying words in Act 3:1, in which he curses both the Capulet and Montague families. This song was really an exercise in musical theatre, and I’m pleased with the way it turned out, as it manages to combine the scene’s spoken dialogue/recitative with a musically catchy chorus. I think of this song as Shakespeare meets Les Mis.