Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 21 hours ago

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Paul Gilbert - Speak Not Evil of the Absent

WROC is my first vocal album since 2016. The lyrics were inspired by the etiquette book, "George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior." I truly enjoyed turning Washington's Rules of Civility (WROC) into ROCK songs! I hope my vocal and guitar melodies will stir your heart and improve your table manners. Spit Not in the Fire!

"Speak Not Evil of the Absent" - Written and Produced by Paul Gilbert
Lyrics inspired by Washington Rules: 44, 89, and 9

Who can resist the fun of speaking evil of the absent? After writing and singing this song (which suggests to speak NOT evil of the absent), I found myself hesitating before spreading gossip and grievances. I'm not completely cured, but better is better. Thanks, George.

Paul Gilbert: Vocals and Guitar
Doug Rappoport: Guitar
Timmer Blakely: Bass
Nick D'Virgilio: Drums

Everyone sang the harmonies

Video Shooting and Editing: Jon Meyer

Lyrics:
WHEN A MAN DOES ALL HE CAN
THOUGH IT SUCCEEDS NOT WELL
BLAME HIM NOT THAT HE DID IT
BLAME HIM NOT THAT HE DID IT
AND IF
YOU HAVE
AND IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A FAVOR
RECEIVED A FAVOR
FROM ANYONE
BE NOT SHY
BE NOT SHY
OR RELUCTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT

SPEAK NOT EVIL OF THE ABSENT
SPIT NOT IN THE FIRE
SPEAK NOT EVIL OF THE ABSENT
SPIT NOT IN THE FIRE
SPEAK NOT EVIL OF THE ABSENT
SPIT NOT IN THE FIRE

WHEN A MAN DOES ALL HE CAN
THOUGH IT SUCCEEDS NOT WELL
BLAME HIM NOT THAT HE DID IT
BLAME HIM NOT THAT HE DID IT
AND IF
YOU HAVE
AND IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A FAVOR
RECEIVED A FAVOR
FROM ANYONE
BE NOT SHY
BE NOT SHY
OR RELUCTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT

SPEAK NOT EVIL OF THE ABSENT
SPIT NOT IN THE FIRE
SPEAK NOT EVIL OF THE ABSENT
SPIT NOT IN THE FIRE
SPEAK NOT EVIL OF THE ABSENT
SPIT NOT IN THE FIRE


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