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Can thou leave me thus, my Katy

Key details

Archive number
NTS/02/25/BRN/02/95
Alt. number
3.6253
Date
19 November 1794 to 20 November 1794
On display
No
Creator
Burns, Robert (Author)

Description

Can thou leave me thus, my Katy. One of three poems together. Begins "Canst thou leave me thus, my Katy". Written during the night of 19-20 November 1794. It is thought that it was written as a compliment to the wife of George Thomson, although in one version, "Katie" was substituted for Betty.

This song was written in 1794 and sent to George Thomson for consideration for inclusion in A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice. It is set to the English tune Roy's wife.

It is widely believed that this song was intended for Maria Riddell or Elizabeth Riddell, as other versions of the song address 'Betty' rather than 'Katie'. However, very little evidence exists to substantiate these claims.

Archive information


Hierarchy

  1. Robert Burns, collection of poems and songs ( )
  2. Can thou leave me thus, my Katy