In spite of all the "six-string notoriety", and just in case you didn't "know-tice", Monte isn't just a "guitar hero", "shred master" or "guitar god" as he's most often described. No, actually Monte Montgomery is much more than just a world-class guitar virtuoso with more new tricks up his fret board than your average "guitar slinger". What sets Monte apart from all others is that he's one of the most accomplished songwriters of our time, a remarkable singer and an extraordinary music arranger. Many of Monte's fans attend his concerts simply to hear his compelling vocals as he delivers his finely penned songs powerfully and passionately. To some, his incredible guitar pyrotechnics are simply an addition of tasty icing topping off a delicious cake.
Monte's latest release "Monte Montgomery At WorkPlay" (Harmonic Records - 2005), available in CD and DVD versions is a double barrel treat offering fans a visual dimension of Monte's incredible power packed live performance recorded Live at WorkPlay Theater in Birmingham, Alabama.
Monte grew up immersed in music, playing professionally since his teens and is currently one of the hottest draws on the talent-packed Austin, TX music scene and throughout the U.S. where he is well known for his electrifying performances. Monte was the first ever to be named by Guitar One Magazine on their list of Top 10 Best Undiscovered Guitarists in America and is the only winner of the "Best Acoustic Guitar Player" for 7 Years in a Row at the Austin Music Awards.
As Acoustic Guitar Magazine notes, "Monte Montgomery is not your typical up-and-coming guitar god. His exquisitely crafted, melodically and rhythmically sophisticated pop songs suggest the best of Fleetwood Mac, Squeeze and The Police, while just happening to integrate the most mind-boggling guitar work in the state of Texas."
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Monte first learned piano and trumpet, and was an avid listener to pop radio. After moving to Texas at the age of 12, he joined the legendary musical scene around the restored town of Luckenbach and began his impressive rise as a musical talent. Performing with his mother at a popular Hill Country picking parlor he quickly absorbed everything he could. By his mid-teens, Monte was playing gigs on his own around Austin and San Antonio, both with bands as an electric guitarist and in a variety of acoustic configurations. During this time Monte developed his guitar chops as he absorbed the work of respected players such as Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, Mark Knopfler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Lee, Steve Vai, Steve Morse and Larry Carlton. "I like it all," he explains of his musical influences.
Leading his own band, Monte began developing his trademark electrified acoustic guitar style. "I started playing acoustic at the beginning of each set, the response was so overwhelming that I kept the acoustic up there longer and longer. Then I just started playing all acoustic. I found I could do anything on an acoustic guitar I could do on an electric if I turned it up loud enough."
After living and playing in San Antonio for a time, Monte set out to make his mark in the highly competitive Austin musical community. Starting with a $50 half-hour gig at a small Austin Pub on a Tuesday night, Monte quickly attracted packed houses and graduated to filling the biggest clubs in the city. His live performances and albums have earned him words of praise in the music press and an ever-widening touring circuit throughout the U.S. As Texas Monthly noted, "He brings taste, precision, economy and a playful sense of timing to popish songs with sturdy hooks and sings in a voice that's equal parts grit and sunshine. And when you have the ability to make one guitar sound like two, who needs any more support than bass and drums."
Monte caught the ear of Austin City Limits producer Terry Lickona, who invited the relatively unknown talent to tape a segment of the legendary show. When Lickona introduced Monte to the audience, he described Monte's talent in a simple yet profound statement: "Monte Montgomery blows people away. There is no other way to describe it."
When word about Monte's virtuosity reached the folks at Alvarez Guitars. They quickly took a keen interest and secured Monte's endorsement. In the meantime Monte's reputation as the Hottest Acoustic Guitarist on the planet was being cultivated as he toured nationwide. This led to the introduction of the MMY1 Monte Montgomery Signature Guitar , which was unveiled at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California in January 2004.
Monte's considerable musical talents have come to fruition. As leader of his own band, he continues as a national touring act and has shown a side that's more than a new found "Texas Guitar Slinger". His electrifying live shows deliver a dynamic rock n' roll experience with rich, stunning guitar work and powerful song deliveries. Monte sings and writes songs that are concise and contemporary and although his music contains a lot of guitar it's more than just a guitar show. With an appeal that extends to listeners of all ages and tastes, Monte has been making a living playing and singing for most of his life, building a career through his own hard work and talent. In fact, it's almost as if his future as a musician was all but fated. "I never woke up and said, what am I supposed to be doing with my life? I always knew, even before I played guitar, that I was going to be doing music, one way or another."
Romeo And Juliet
Monte Montgomery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Laying everybody low with me a lovesong that he made
Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
Says something like you and me babe how about it ?
Juliet says hey its romeo you nearly gimme a heart attack
Hes underneath the window shes singing hey la my boyfriends back
You shouldnt come around here singing up at people like that
Juliet the dice were loaded from the start
And I bet and you exploded in my heart
And I forget the movie song
When you wanna realise it was just that the time was wrong juliet ?
Come up on differents streets they both were streets of shame
Both dirty both mean yes and the dream was just the same
And I dreamed your dream for you and your dream is real
How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals ?
Where you can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
You promised me everything you promised me think and thin
Now you just says oh romeo yeah you know I used to have a scene with him
Juliet when we made love you used to cry
You said I love you like the stars above Ill love you till I die
Theres a place for us you know the movie song
When you gonna realise it was just that the time was wrong juliet ?
I cant do the talk like they talk on tv
And I cant do a love song like the way its meant to be
I cant do everything but Id do anything for you
I cant do anything except be in love with you
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
All do is keep the beat and bad company
All I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme
Julie Id do the stars with you any time
Juliet when we made love you used to cry
You said I love you like the stars above Ill love you till I die
Theres a place for us you know the movie song
When you gonna realise it was just that the time was wrong juliet ?
A lovestruck romeo sings a streetsus serenade
Laying everybody low with me a lovesong that he made
Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
Says something like you and me babe how about it ?
Monte Montgomery's "Romeo and Juliet" tells the story of two young lovers who come from different parts of town, both struggling to find their way in life. The song is based on the Shakespearean play of the same name, but it has its own unique perspective on the classic story.
The opening lyrics describe the lovestruck Romeo singing a serenade to Juliet, charming her with his self-composed love song. Romeo finds a convenient streetlight and steps out of the shade to ask Juliet to be his. In response, Juliet initially reacts with surprise and caution, telling Romeo that he shouldn't come around singing at people like that.
However, the couple's love ultimately overcomes the obstacles and challenges they face. Juliet tells Romeo that the dice were loaded from the start, meaning that their fate was predetermined, and that she bet on him, exploding with love from the very beginning. The movie song that she mentions is a reference to the iconic "Somewhere" from the West Side Story, which was also based on Romeo and Juliet's story. Juliet realizes that their love was real, though the timing was wrong, and that they were meant to be together.
As for the unique perspective of the song, "Romeo and Juliet" highlights how the characters came from "streets of shame" and had dreams that were initially seen as unfulfilled promises. They both fell for each other despite these challenges, bonded by their love story. The lyrics describe how a love so strong can break through any barriers that society puts in place. Romeo and Juliet's love is compared to chains of silver and gold, pretty strangers and the promises they hold. Despite the hardships, the couple remains devoted to each other, and the song ends with Romeo once again serenading Juliet, asking her to give him a chance.
Line by Line Meaning
A lovestruck romeo sings a streetsus serenade
A deeply enamored Romeo serenades his lover on the street with a song of love, captivating everyone who hears it.
Laying everybody low with me a love song that he made
He sings his own composition, touching the hearts of all those who listen and bringing them down to a world of love.
Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
He sees a streetlight and takes a step forward from the dark shade, basking in the light of his love.
Says something like you and me babe how about it ?
He speaks to Juliet, suggesting that together they can make it, asking whether they should give it a try.
Juliet says hey its romeo you nearly gimme a heart attack
Upon recognizing Romeo's voice, Juliet is so startled that she almost has a heart attack.
Hes underneath the window shes singing hey la my boyfriends back
Romeo is standing below Juliet's window while she sings a song about her boyfriend being back, unaware of Romeo's presence.
You shouldnt come around here singing up at people like that
Juliet reminds Romeo that he shouldn't approach her in this manner, singing and serenading her when she is with someone else.
Anyway what you gonna do about it ?
Juliet challenges Romeo to come up with a solution for their problem and make a move if he truly wants her.
Juliet the dice were loaded from the start
Juliet expresses that their fate was determined from the beginning, and their love was always destined to be a complicated journey.
And I bet and you exploded in my heart
Juliet confesses that she took a chance on Romeo and fell deeply in love with him, leading to an emotional explosion in her heart.
And I forget the movie song
Juliet forgets the romantic song they associated with themselves as it no longer holds any meaning.
When you wanna realise it was just that the time was wrong juliet ?
She asks Romeo to accept the reality that their love was doomed to fail from the start. The timing wasn't right, and they can't force it to work.
Come up on different streets they both were streets of shame
Juliet reflects on how she and Romeo have come from different backgrounds and have struggled with their own difficulties and shortcomings.
Both dirty both mean yes and the dream was just the same
Despite their past experiences, they know they dream of the same destiny of love, hope and a brighter future, no matter what they have to go through.
And I dreamed your dream for you and your dream is real
Juliet assures Romeo that she understands him and has faith in their shared dream, and that it is worth fighting for and making real.
How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals ?
She questions Romeo's sincerity and loyalty, asking how he could see her as just another part of his plan or strategy.
Where you can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
Juliet reminds Romeo that he has fallen for false promises before and can easily fall prey to possessions and wealth.
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
She cautions Romeo that he could be enticed by beautiful strangers and their false promises of a better life or love.
You promised me everything you promised me think and thin
Juliet reminds Romeo of his promises of unwavering commitment and support, which he may not actually be able to fulfill.
Now you just says oh romeo yeah you know I used to have a scene with him
She accuses Romeo of being selfish and only caring about himself, even acknowledging that she dated someone else as it seems he is not willing to make the effort for them.
Juliet when we made love you used to cry
Juliet recalls how emotional their past romantic encounters have been, making her cry due to the intensity of their love.
You said I love you like the stars above Ill love you till I die
Reminiscent over a past declaration of everlasting love which echoes in her mind, confirmed and maintained by the seemingly unreachable and infinite nature of the stars.
Theres a place for us you know the movie song
She alludes to the famous love song and the romantic setting of the film, acknowledging that there was a special place for them in the world- together.
When you gonna realise it was just that the time was wrong juliet ?
She pleads with Romeo to let go of their love and stop trying to make something work that simply can't due to their time and circumstance.
I cant do the talk like they talk on tv
Romeo admits that he isn't the stereotypical romantic that people see on TV, and can't express himself in such a grandiose manner.
And I cant do a love song like the way its meant to be
He fails at expressing his love in the same grand way love songs do, however his ardour is true and would do anything for her.
I cant do everything but Id do anything for you
Romeo may not be able to perform grand romantic gestures, but he is willing to spare no effort for the woman he loves.
I cant do anything except be in love with you
He admits that he may be limited in what he can do in this situation, but he still loves her and would do anything he can to make it work.
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
He admits to missing the way things used to be between them, lamenting on what they could have been.
All do is keep the beat and bad company
He has only his music and bad company to keep him company, nothing else seems to appeal to him anymore.
All I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme
He is reduced to kissing the memory of Juliet through his music, as they are unable to be together in person.
Julie Id do the stars with you any time
Despite their current situation, Romeo declares that he would do anything for Juliet even if it meant touching the unreachable stars together.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Mark Knopfler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind