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 reunion   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