The reason why I've called us all together
Is to share with you some heartbreaking news
You see there's been a death in the family
And as relatives I thought it best you knew.

By now you've noticed
Betty's not here with me
And Betty won't be joining us tonight
I said there's been a death in the family.

After all the many years that I've loved her
She says she thinks it's best we live apart
Really there's been two deaths in the family
Betty's love for me and my poor heart.

You'll all miss her at our family renuion
And I know you'll miss her smiles at Christmas time
But think of me and all the years I've loved her
And pray to God that I don't lose my mind.

Oh Lord, there's been a death in the family
All I've ever loved just fell apart
Oh, really there's been two deaths in the family
Betty's love for me and my poor heart...