This verse introduces the concept of a vineyard to the Song. A vineyard is often used in the Song as an image for the woman’s body and sexuality.1 The young woman seems to be explaining her appearance. Since she had to keep the family vineyard, she was not able to keep her own. By referring to her own vineyard, she is talking about her personal appearance. Being forced to work outside in the sun has meant that she was not able to maintain her physical appearance the way she would have liked, or maybe the way others would have expected.
6 Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!