Take Me or Leave Me
Jonathan Larson Lyrics

Every Single Day I Walk Down The Street I Hear People Say, "Baby's So Sweet"
Maureen receives constant attention because of her looks, which she can't help

Ever Since Puberty Everybody Stares At Me Boys-Girls I Can't Help It Baby
She's been receiving attention since puberty and she can't help it

So Be Kind Don't Lose Your Mind Just Remember That I'm Your Baby
Be kind and remember that she is 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
Accept her for who she is and if you're interested, take her or leave her as is

A Tiger In A Cage Can Never See The Sun This Diva Needs Her Stage Baby-Let's Have Fun!
She compares herself to a tiger in a cage that can never see the sun and says she needs to perform on stage to have fun

You Are The One I Choose Folks'd Kill To Fill Your Shoes You Love The Limelight Too, Baby
She chooses the person she's talking to and says that people would kill to be in their shoes because they also love the limelight

So Be Mine Or Don't Waste Your Time Cryin'-"Honeybear-Are You Still My Baby?"
Either be hers or don't waste her time; she doesn't want any uncertainty

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?
She rejects the idea of trying to be someone she's not, but jokingly admits that she wants to be hot. She reminds the person she's talking to not to lose their head and asks who's in their bed every night

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?
The person Joanna is talking to tells Maureen that it won't work and explains that she needs margins and discipline. She also mentions her habit of making lists and wonders what her sin is

Never Quit - I Follow Through I Hate Mess - But I Love You What To Do With My Impromtu Baby
Joanna says that she never quits and always follows through. She admits that she hates mess but loves the person she's talking to, and wonders what to do about her spontaneous personality

So Be Wise This Girl Satisfies You've Got A Prize But Don't Compromise You're One Lucky Baby
Joanna advises the person she's talking to to be smart and says that she is satisfying. She tells them not to compromise because they're lucky to have her

A Control Freak
Maureen admits to being a control freak

Who I Was Meant To Be
Despite being a control freak, she is who she was meant to be

A Snob-Yet Over-Attentive
Maureen is simultaneously a snob and over-attentive

And If You Give A Damn
Despite being a snob, she acknowledges that it matters if the person she's talking to cares

A Lovable, Droll Geek
Maureen is also described as lovable and a droll (humorous in an odd way) geek

And Anal Retentive!
Maureen admits to being anal retentive

That's It!
The two decide they've had enough of each other

The Straw That Breaks My Back
They reference the common phrase 'the straw that broke the camel's back' to describe how they're feeling

I Quit
They both decide to end the argument

Unless You Take It Back
Joanna says she'll only stay if the other person takes back what they said

What Is It About Them?
The two wonder about the complexities of women

Can't Live- With Them- Or Without Them!
They conclude that they can't live with women, but equally can't live without them

Guess I'm Leavin' I'm Gone!
Maureen decides to leave