Love Me Or Leave Me – English Lyrics

• By: Nina Simone

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Nina Simone's iconic "Love Me Or Leave Me" to explore the rich vocabulary of jazz and the powerful expression of self-worth. This song is special for its seamless blend of soulful jazz vocals with sophisticated classical piano, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate how musical genres converge. By listening closely to Simone's nuanced delivery and intricate piano arrangements, you can uncover how language, emotion, and musicality intertwine to convey a universal message of demanding respect in relationships.

[English]

(audience applauds)

(dramatic piano music)

♪ Say love me or leave me and let me be lonely ♪

♪ You won't believe me, but I love you only ♪

♪ I'd rather be lonely than happy with somebody else ♪

♪ You might find the night time ♪

♪ The right time for kissin' ♪

♪ Night time is my time for just reminiscin' ♪

♪ Regrettin' instead of forgettin' ♪

♪ With somebody else ♪

♪ There'll be no one unless that someone is you ♪

♪ I intend to be independently blue ♪

♪ I want your love and I don't want to borrow ♪

♪ Have it today to give it back tomorrow ♪

♪ Your love is my love, there's no love for nobody else ♪

(jazzy music)

(jazzy music)

♪ There'll be no one unless that someone is you ♪

♪ I intend to be independently blue ♪

♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪

♪ I want your love and I don't want to borrow ♪

♪ Have it today to give it back tomorrow ♪

♪ Your love is my love ♪

♪ My love is your love ♪

♪ Your love is my love ♪

♪ My love is your love ♪

♪ Your love is my love ♪

♪ There's no love ♪

♪ For nobody else ♪

(audience applauds)

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
love /lʌv/ A2	noun - an intense feeling of deep affection verb - to feel deep affection for someone
leave /liːv/ B1	verb - to go away from a place
lonely /ˈloʊnli/ B2	adjective - feeling sad because of lack of companionship
believe /bɪˈliːv/ B2	verb - to accept that something is true
happy /ˈhæpi/ A2	adjective - feeling or showing pleasure or contentment
find /faɪnd/ A2	verb - to discover or come upon something by searching
night /naɪt/ A1	noun - the period of darkness in each twenty-four hours
time /taɪm/ A1	noun - a measure of the duration of events
kiss /kɪs/ B1	verb - to touch with the lips as a sign of affection
regret /rɪˈɡrɛt/ C1	verb - to feel sad or disappointed about something in the past
forget /fərˈɡɛt/ B2	verb - to be unable to recall
independently /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəntli/ C1
want /wɔnt/ A2	verb - to desire something
back /bæk/ A1	adverb - to the rear