Results: "Love Me or Leave Me"
Published on 10/20/2025
You might recognize that title as a jazz standard recorded by singers like Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Sammy Davis Jr, Lena Horne, and Nina Simone. My survey is about some of the lyrics.
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
Written by Walter Donaldson, with lyrics by Gus Kahn, "Love Me or Leave Me" was introduced on Broadway by Ruth Etting (pictured) in the musical "Whoopee" in 1928. It was such a smash hit, it became Etting's signature song, and was incorporated into her next musical, 1930's "Simple Simon" starring Ed Wynn. Have you ever seen 2 musicals that shared a song?
Yes
9%
163 votes
Unsure
21%
390 votes
No
34%
649 votes
I have not been to any musicals.
20%
383 votes
N/A
17%
315 votes
2.
2.
The lyrics include, "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". Are you comfortable with this romantic declaration of undying love?
Yes, it's beautiful and moving.
24%
464 votes
Unsure
26%
492 votes
No, it's a bit stalker-ish.
17%
331 votes
N/A
32%
613 votes
3.
3.
The lyrics could be viewed as less like love and devotion, and more like obsession. Do you think saying, "I'd rather be lonely than happy with somebody else" seems healthy and stable?
Yes. I indicates true and all-consuming love.
15%
293 votes
It's just romantic hyperbola. No need to worry.
20%
386 votes
I think it's a bit concerning.
16%
299 votes
That's not romantic, it's unhealthy.
13%
244 votes
N/A
36%
678 votes
COMMENTS