Take Me or Leave Me is a duet sung by Maureen Johnson and Joanne Jefferson. While trying to rehearse, Maureen and Joanne start arguing and give each other the ultimatum to make amends or leave. In the movie version, they sing it in Maureen and Joanne's engagement party after Joanne caught Maureen flirting with a girl.
Lyrics[]
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 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 (a whore)
And if you give a damn
Take me baby or leave me
Take me baby or leave me
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'd kill to fill your shoes
You love the limelight too, now baby
So be mine
and don't waste my time
Cryin' - "Honeybear - 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 with me baby or leave me
No way - can I be what I'm not
But hey - don't you want your girl hot!
Don't fight - don't lose your head
Cause every night - who's in your bed?
Who's in your bed, baby?
Kiss, Pookie.
Joanne
It won't work.
I look before I leap
I love margins and discipline I make lists in my sleep
Baby what's my sin?
Never quit - I follow through
I hate mess - but I love you
What to do
With my impromptu baby
So be wise
This girl satisfies
You've got a prize
But don't compromise
You're one lucky baby
Take me for what I am
Maureen
A control freak
Joanne
Who I was meant 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
And anal retentive
Both
That's it!
Joanne
The straw that breaks my back
Both I quit
Joanne
Unless you take me back
Both
Tracie Thoms (Joanne) and Eden Espinosa (Maureen)
Women
Maureen
What is it about them?
Both
Can't live -
With them -
Or without them!
Take me for what I am
Who I was meant to be
And if you give a damn
Take me baby or leave me
Takes me baby
Or leave me
Guess I'm leavin'
I'm gone!
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Rent Songs |
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| Act I Tune Up 1 • Voice Mail • Tune Up 2• Rent • You Okay Honey? • Tune Up 3 • One Song Glory • Light My Candle Voice Mail 2 • Today 4 U • You'll See • Tango: Maureen • Life Support • Out Tonight • Another Day • Will I? On The Street • Santa Fe • I'll Cover You • We're Okay • Christmas Bells • Over The Moon • La Vie Boheme I Should Tell You • La Vie Boheme B |
| Act II Seasons of Love • Happy New Year • Voice Mail 3 • Happy New Year B • Take Me or Leave Me • Seasons of Love B Without you • Voice Mail 4 • Contact • I'll Cover You (Reprise) • Halloween • Goodbye Love • What You Own Voice Mail 5 • Finale • Your Eyes • Finale B |