Take Me or Leave Me
Rent Soundtrack · Rent [2005 Movie Soundtrack] [2005]
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 ment 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
lets have fun
you are the one i choose
folks will kill to fill your shoes
you love the lime light to now baby
so be mine but don't waste my time
cryin' 'honey bear are you still my, my, my baby?'
take me for what i am
who i was ment 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
whats my sin?
never quit
i follow through
i hate mess but i love you
what do with my improptu baby?
so be wise 'cause this girl satisfies
you got a prize but don't compomise
your one lucky baby
[joanne:]
take me for what i am
[maureen:]
a control freak
[joanne:]
who i was ment to be
[maureen:]
a snob yet over attentive
[joanne:]
and if you give a damn
[maureen:]
a loveable droll geek
[joanne:]
take me baby or leave me
[maureen:]
a anal retentave
[both:]
thats 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 ment to be
[maureen:]
who i was ment to be and if you give a damn
[joanne:]
and if you give a damn then take me baby, or leave me
[maureen:]
take me baby, take me or la-la-la-la-la-leave me
[both:]
take me baby or leave me
[spoken:]
guess i'm leaving i'm gone!
Take Me or Leave Me
"Take Me or Leave Me" is a pivotal musical number from the 2005 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Rent. Performed by the cast of the original production, the song serves as the emotional climax of the narrative, depicting the protagonist's desperate plea to his lover amidst the looming threat of AIDS. As a central piece of the Rent score, the track exemplifies the show's signature blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences, utilizing a driving rhythm and soaring vocals to underscore themes of mortality and devotion. The recording captures the raw intensity of the 1996 original staging, making it a defining moment in the history of contemporary musical theater and a staple of the genre's repertoire.