She had excuses and she just used them
She was the victim of unspeakable abuses
Her husband was violent, malicious and distant
Her kids now belong to the state of Massachusetts

They've been taken away
They've been taken away

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 had your chance
The poison who stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children, or the night

I suppose you've a victim
I suspect you may have lied
If you've lost all ambition won't you give this thing a try
If you can't and you fail won't be the only loser
These kid don't stand a chance with you in their future

They've been taken away
They've been taken away

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 had your chance
The poison who stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children, or the night

The poison stole your babies
The tenants took your rides
You can have the children, or the day

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 had your chance
The poison stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children, or the night


Lyrics submitted by Brendonsoh

The State of Massachusetts Lyrics as written by Timothy John Brennan Alexander Barr

Lyrics © SPIRIT TWO SMA

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The State of Massachusetts song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    "i think the title of the song is a play on words...using state to mean a country AND the culture of it...

    p.s i wanna make it clear i do not link child abuse and a bad government to massachusets"


    I do. that's first thing I think of when it comes to MA. Also, Minnesota is known for witches, and Idaho for streaking. Texas uses potatoes for currency and Delaware gives out Peyote like it was chewing gum/ It's all true

    cmckinleyon August 18, 2008   Link

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