Singers and Vocalists, Song Lyrics

Take Me or Leave Me Lyrics from the Musical Rent

Idina Menzel and Fredi Walker are talented American performers known for their work on Broadway. The former artist is renowned for her powerful singing and acting, particularly as Maureen in the musical Rent, Elphaba in Wicked, and for voicing Elsa in Disney’s Frozen.

The latter artist is best known for creating the role of Joanne Jefferson in Rent, where they performed together. Both have also worked in television and film, earning respect for their strong stage presence and unique voices.

Idina Menzel has won major awards like the Tony Award, while Fredi Walker has received honors such as the Obie Award. Their performances in Rent helped make the show a big success and inspired many theater lovers.

About the Song

Take Me or Leave Me is about being honest in a relationship and asking to be accepted as you are. It conveys strong emotions and the tension between love and frustration. The song highlights the importance of self-respect and staying true to yourself.

Detail	Information
Released	September 23, 2005
Album	Rent (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (1996)
Writers	Jonathan Larson
Producer	Rob Cavallo

Read Full Lyrics of Take Me or Leave Me

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

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 limelight too now, baby

So be mine
But don’t waste my time
Crying, “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?
Don’t fight, don’t lose your head
‘Cause every night, who’s in your bed?
Who?
Who’s in your bed?
Kiss pookie

JOANNE

Guess I’m leaving
I’m gone

Similar Songs Like Take Me or Leave Me

Listeners who appreciate the expressive vocals and dramatic flair of Take Me or Leave Me are sure to enjoy these equally compelling musical numbers.

Defying Gravity: With rising vocals and bold lyrics, this Wicked showstopper celebrates freedom, self-belief, and the courage to rise above expectations.
Seasons of Love: Also from Rent, this heartfelt anthem highlights the importance of appreciating life’s moments that truly matter.
Let It Go: Known for its empowering message and powerful vocals, this Frozen favorite celebrates self-acceptance and the strength to be true to oneself.

Similar Artists Like Idina Menzel and Fredi Walker

For those who appreciate the vocal prowess, deep emotional delivery, and compelling stage presence of Idina Menzel and Fredi Walker, this selection of musical theatre and pop artists offers similar engaging experiences.

Kristin Chenoweth
Genre: Musical Theatre
Top Album: The Art of Elegance
Lea Salonga
Genre: Musical Theatre
Top Album: Lea Salonga
Mandy Moore
Genre: Pop/Musical
Top Album: Wild Hope
Judy Kuhn
Genre: Musical Theatre
Top Album: Just in Time
Lea Michele
Genre: Pop/Musical
Top Album: Louder

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Take Me or Leave Me Been Covered?

Yes, it has been covered on Glee and by many artists in concerts and benefit shows.

Is Take Me or Leave Me Inspired by Another Work?

Yes, its lyrics are based on the aria “Quando m’en vo'” from Puccini’s opera La Bohème.

What Relationship does Take Me or Leave Me Focus on?

It centers on the tumultuous romance between Maureen and Joanne in Rent.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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