[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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
It's Betty's precious love for me that's died

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 3]
You'll all miss her at our family reunions
And you'll miss her smiling face 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

[Chorus]
Oh Lord there's been a death in the family
All I ever loved just fell apart
Really there's been two deaths in the family
Betty's love for me and my poor heart
Oh Lord there's been a death in the family