Song ---- An English one, to the tune
of, Roy's wife --------
_________________
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katie,
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katie?
Well thou know'st my faithful heart,
And canst thou leave me thus for pity
1
Is this thy plighted, fond regard,
Thus cruelly to part, my Katie?
Is this thy faithful swain's reward --
An aching, broken heart, my Katie. --
Canst thou leave & c. ----
2.
Farewel! and ne'er
such sorrows tear
That fickle heart of thine, my Katie:
Thou may'st find those will love thee dear --
But not a love like mine, my Katie.
Canst thou leave & c. ----
of, Roy's wife --------
_________________
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katie,
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katie?
Well thou know'st my faithful heart,
And canst thou leave me thus for pity
1
Is this thy plighted, fond regard,
Thus cruelly to part, my Katie?
Is this thy faithful swain's reward --
An aching, broken heart, my Katie. --
Canst thou leave & c. ----
2.
Farewel! and ne'er
such sorrows tear
That fickle heart of thine, my Katie:
Thou may'st find those will love thee dear --
But not a love like mine, my Katie.
Canst thou leave & c. ----
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)
- 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
Themes
Hierarchy
-
Robert Burns, collection of poems and songs
(
a sub-fonds is a subdivision in the archival material)
- Can thou leave me thus, my Katy