Take Me Or Leave Me – Idina Menzel (from “Rent” soundtrack)

[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!