We seem to get some insight into her personal history. Her brothers have forced her to work in the vineyard because they were angry with her, but we are not told why. These men seem to be the dominant males in the absence of a father (Song of Solomon 8:8–9).1 She may be expressing, again, something about her status in life. Working outdoors in the vineyard would also explain her sun-darkened skin.
6 Ne prenez pas garde à mon teint noir: C'est le soleil qui m'a brûlée. Les fils de ma mère se sont irrités contre moi, Ils m'ont faite gardienne des vignes. Ma vigne, à moi, je ne l'ai pas gardée.