"Take Me, Or Leave Me" from the musical Rent By Jonathan Larson
(If you're a musical buff and you haven't heard of Rent... then just don't do this song. It's a great song... it's a great musical! Works well w/ two sopranos or one soprano and one alto. The alto would have to be Joanne's part, which is the second volcalist. Maureen's part goes pretty high up there and so does Joanne's but I think a high alto/mezzo soprano can pull it off.)
Maureen:
Every single day
I walk down the street
I hear people say,
"Baby's so sweet"
Ever since puberty
Everybody stares at me
Boys - girls
I can't help it baby
So be kind
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
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, baby
So be mine or don't waste my time
Cryin' - "Honeybear - are you still 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!
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 lovable, 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 it back
Both:
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
Take me baby
Or leave me
Guess I'm leaving
I'm gone!
For more info about this musical and to hear midi files of the song, click here
