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