[Verse 1]
She had excuses and she chose to use them
She was the victim of unspeakable abuses
Her husband was violent, malicious, and distant
Her kids now belong to the state of Massachusetts

[Hook]
They've been taken away! Hey!
They've been taken away!

[Verse 2]
Billy was a bright one, Tommy's off his head
Mother loved them both the same, at least that's what she said
I don't predict the future, I don't care about the past
Send them both to DSS, now you've had your chance

[Chorus]
The poison stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children... or the night!

[Verse 3]
I suppose you've been a victim, I suspect you may have lied
Have you lost all ambition, won't you give this thing a try
If you can't and you fail, you won't be the only loser
These kids don't stand a chance with you in their future
[Hook]
They've been taken away! (Hey!)
They've been taken away!

[Verse 2]
Billy was a bright one, Tommy's off his head
Mother loved them both the same, at least that's what she said
I don't predict the future, I don't care about the past
Send them both to DSS, now you've had your chance

[Chorus]
The poison stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children... or the night!

[Chorus]
The poison stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children... or the night!

[Mandolin Solo]

[Verse 2]
Billy was a bright one, Tommy's off his head
Mother loved them both the same, at least that's what she said
I don't predict the future, I don't care about the past
Send them both to DSS, now you've had your chance
[Chorus]
The poison stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children... or the night!