of the vineyards: The New Living Translation sees vineyard as a metaphor for the woman's body (compare Song of Solomon 2:15; 7:12). In ancient Near Eastern societies, brothers protected their sisters from early intimate relationships. The woman's protest shows she believes she is ready for love (see also Song of Solomon 8:8–12, the only other mention of the brothers).
The dramatic view sees vineyard as actual vineyards: The brothers' mistreatment led to the woman's inability to care for the vineyards she was responsible for. She ended up in Solomon's harem because she could not pay him the money she owed (Song of Solomon 8:11–12).