Romeo and Jane

Album: Romeo Unchained (1986)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • When we asked Tonio K where he got the idea for this highly improbable love story between Shakespeare's Romeo and Tarzan's wife, Jane, he replied that he had no idea. Tonio added: "I don't know where those things come from. I just realized for the first time it's actually kind of a logical extension or a phase II of my song 'Impressed' that Charlie [Sexton] recorded on his first record. Just all these oddball couples. I just flipped it. It's funny, I don't know."

    Tonio K went on to say he never knows where these ideas come from. "Sometimes you're sitting down fooling around on a guitar and you hit on a chord progression," he said, "and a sketch of a melody for some reason. And all of a sudden you'll sing one line to yourself and then you're off and running. Or you'll just put the melody down and wait until you have an idea."

    "Impressed" includes Shakespeare's characters Romeo and Juliet in a long list of what the singer considers bad examples of how love should work.
  • The Romeo character has featured in a good number of songs. Charting songs titled "Romeo" were recorded by Dino (#6, 1990), Dolly Parton & Friends (#50, 1993), Janie Grant (#75, 1961), and Mr. Big (#87, 1977). Steve Forbert also went to #11 with "Romeo's Tune" in 1980.

    Jane and her jungle-raised husband Tarzan has cropped up in several as well including:
    "Tarzan & Jane" by Toy-Box
    "Superman's Song" by Crash Test Dummies ("But he could hardly string together. Four words, I Tarzan you Jane.")
    "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins (appears in a scene in the Disney movie Tarzan where a young Tarzan is comforted by his adoptive gorilla mother.)
    "Candyman" by Christina Aguilera. ("Tarzan and Jane were swingin' on a vine.")

Comments: 1

  • Julie&george from La, CaHey Tonio, you said back in the day those songs were written about that good looking blonde you were dating (thought you were engaged to?) Jackie Lovejoy. At least that's what you told us. Thought " You Don't Belong Here" was written about her too? My cousin says your x is still around LA, as he sees her on occasion. Sorry the love thing didn't work out but that record and those songs were great!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.