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"Could I Leave You?" is a song written by Stephen Sondheim for the 1971 musical Follies for the character Phyllis.

Synopsis

Phyllis sings to her husband about how apathetic she is to her marriage, yet she decides to stay.

Critical reception

Time magazine explained that Sondheim is "still the great chronicler of married life" in all its form - in this song he demonstrates the bitterness of marriage. Backstage described it as "biting contemplation of divorce." Vulture calls the song a "stinging Coward-esque waltz." The New York Times notes "Phyllis’s lacerating assertion of independence to her husband, overflows with both tenderness and hostility."

References

1. Corliss, Richard (2010-06-12). "Why Broadway Hates Stephen Sondheim". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 2016-04-26.
2. "Follies". Backstage.com. Retrieved 2016-04-26.
3. "Theater Review: Reviving an Old Farewell, in Follies". Vulture. 12 September 2011. Retrieved 2016-04-26.
4. Brantley, Ben (2011-09-12). "'Follies' on Broadway - Review". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-04-26.

• 1971 songs
• Songs from musicals
• Songs written by Stephen Sondheim