Love Me or Leave Me
Gerry Mulligan Lyrics


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Love me or leave me and let me be lonely
You won't believe me that I love you only
I'd rather be lonely than happy with somebody else

You might find the night time the right time for kissing
But night time is my time for just reminiscing
Regretting instead of forgetting with somebody else
There'll be no else unless that someone is you, you, you

I intend to be independently blue
I want your love but I don't want to borrow




I have it today and give back tomorrow
For my love is your love but there's no love for nobody else

Overall Meaning

In Gerry Mulligan's classic jazz tune "Love Me or Leave Me," the lyrics explore the concept of romantic independence and a longing for genuine affection. The opening verse, "Love me or leave me and let me be lonely, you won't believe me that I love you only," suggests the singer is at the mercy of their lover's desires, with the hope that they will choose to remain together out of genuine affection rather than obligation. However, the singer is not willing to settle for a relationship that lacks passion, as they would "rather be lonely than happy with somebody else." This sentiment speaks to the idea that love is not just about companionship, but rather the deep emotional connection that comes from being with the right person.


Later in the song, the lines "I'd rather be blue thinking of you, I want your love but I don't want to borrow," highlight the singer's desire for independence within their relationship. They crave their lover's affection but refuse to compromise their identity or personal beliefs for the sake of the relationship. The singer is also clear that they have no interest in finding love elsewhere, as "my love is your love but there's no love for nobody else."


Line by Line Meaning

Love me or leave me and let me be lonely
Accept me for who I am or walk away and let me be alone


You won't believe me that I love you only
You doubt my sincerity and don't believe me when I say that I truly love only you


I'd rather be lonely than happy with somebody else
I value my independence so highly that I would rather be alone than compromise who I am to be with someone else


You might find the night time the right time for kissing
You may think that nighttime is the ideal time for romance and physical affection


But nighttime is my time for just reminiscing
But for me, nighttime is a time for reflecting and thinking back on past experiences


Regretting instead of forgetting with somebody else
Rather than making new memories with another person, I would be haunted by regrets about my past with you


There'll be no else unless that someone is you, you, you
I am committed to only being with you, and won't consider anyone else unless it's you


I intend to be independently blue
I want to be alone and independent, even if it means being sad or melancholic


I want your love but I don't want to borrow
I want you to love me of your own free will, and not because I've begged or plead for it


I have it today and give back tomorrow
My love for you is genuine, but I can't promise that it will last forever


For my love is your love but there's no love for nobody else
I love you and only you, and there is no space in my heart for anyone else




Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, TOBAGO MUSIC COMPANY, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Luisa Ricci

Two Genius!!!!!

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