[Verse 1]
You're standin' 'round here grumblin' with your big mouth hangin' out
You're fussin' and you're mumblin' while your future is in doubt
Your mouth is runnin' faster while your mind is runnin' late
A man that's got ambition just ain't got to time to hate

[Refrain]
Why don't you wipe away the evil
And let the good shine through? (Uh huh)

[Verse 2]
You're hangin' 'round the pool room, you ain't got nowhere to go
You're preachin' hate your brother when you really ought to know
A man is just a man and we are all put here to learn
You give a little love and you will get some in return

[Refrain]
Why don't you wipe away the evil
And let the good shine through? (Mmm hmm)

[Saxophone Solo]

[Electric Piano Solo]

[Verse 3]
Well, you can't blame nobody if your future's looking dim
Your pocketbook is empty and your hopes are mighty slim
Just make yourself a promise that you know you're gonna keep
And have a strong conviction that you know goes way down deep
[Refrain]
Why don't you wipe away the evil
And let the good shine through? (Mmm hmm)

[Verse 4]
Well, get yourself together so you'll know just what to do
Just make yourself a blueprint and you'll surely see it through
A man without a plan is like a ship without a sail
Ain't got nowhere to go so you know he's got to fail

[Refrain]
Why don't you wipe away the evil
And let the good shine through? (Mmm hmm)