Rent: Take Me Or Leave Me

Mark
Valentine's Day...Pan across the empty lot. Roger's down at Mimi's
where he's been for almost two months - tho' he talks about selling
his guitar and getting out of here. (Still jealous of Benny)... God
knows where Collins and Angel are...Could be that new Shanty Town by
the river or a suite at the Plaza...Maureen and Joanne are rehearsing.
That is if they're speaking this week...Me? I'm here. Nowhere.

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 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 leavin'
I'm gone!