The poem partly describes a lover's determination to overcome all obstacles to be with their beloved.
Since the women of Jerusalem are mentioned often (Song of Solomon 3:5), the city is likely Jerusalem. Searching all its streets and squares was a bold effort.
The king of Israel would probably not be outside in the city at night. If he had his sixty-man entourage with him (Song of Solomon 3:7–8), she would find him easily. Instead, the woman seems to be looking for an ordinary man in everyday places.