Take Me Or Leave Me – Idina Menzel (from “Rent” soundtrack)
By
[Maureen:] Every single day, I walk down the street I hear people say “Baby,” so sweet Ever since puberty Everybody stares at me Boys, girls, I can’t help it baby So be kind, and don’t lose your mind Just remember that I’m your baby
Take me for what I am Who I was meant to be And if you give a damn Take me baby, or leave me
Take me baby or leave me
[Maureen:] A tiger in a cage Can never see the sun This diva needs her stage baby, let’s have fun! You are the one I choose Folks would kill to fill your shoes You love the lime light too now, baby So be mine and don’t waste my time Cryin’ “Oh honey bear are you still my, my, my baby?”
Take me for what I am Who I was meant to be And if you give a damn Take me baby, or leave me
No way, can I be what I’m not But hey, don’t you want your girl hot? Oh, don’t fight, don’t loose your head ‘Cause every night who’s in your bed? Who? Who’s in your bed? [Spoken:] Kiss, Pookie.
[Joanne:] It won’t work I look before I leap I love margins and discipline I make list in my sleep baby What’s my sin? Never quit I follow through I hate mess but I love you What do with my impromptu baby? So be wise, ’cause this girl satisfies You’ve got a prize so don’t compromise You’re one lucky baby
[Joanne:] Take me for what I am [Maureen:] A control freak. [Joanne:] Who I was meant to be [Maureen:] A snob, yet overattentive [Joanne:] And if you give a damn [Maureen:] A lovable troll geek [Joanne:] Take me baby, or leave me [Maureen:] An anal retentive!
[Both:] That’s it! [Joanne:] The straw that breaks my back [Both:] I quit! [Joanne:] Unless you take it back [Maureen:] Women! What is it about them? [Both:] Can’t live with them or without them!
[Chorus:] [Both:] Take me for what I am [Joanne:] Who I was meant to be [Maureen:] Who I was meant to be And if you give a damn [Joanne:] And if you give a damn you better Take me baby, or leave me [Maureen:] Oh, take me baby! Take me or lea-yea-yeave me [Both:] Take me babay-ay-ay! Or leave me [Spoken:] Guess I’m leaving. I’m gone!