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The Beatles — Taxman
Album: Revolver
Avg rating:
7.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 593









Released: 1966
Length: 2:35
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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One, two, three, four (for you, nineteen for me)
One, two (one, two, three, four)

Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman
Yeah, I'm the taxman

Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman
Yeah, I'm the taxman

(If you drive a car—car)
I'll tax the street
(If you try to sit—sit)
I'll tax your seat
(If you get too cold—cold)
I'll tax the heat
(If you take a walk—walk)
I'll tax your feet
Taxman

'Cause I'm the taxman
Yeah, I'm the taxman

Don't ask me what I want it for
(Ha, ha, Mr. Wilson)
If you don't want to pay some more
(Ha, ha, Mr. Heath)
'Cause I'm the taxman
Yeah, I'm the taxman

Now my advice for those who die
(Taxman)
Declare the pennies on your eyes
(Taxman)
'Cause I'm the taxman
Yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me (Taxman)
Comments (93)add comment
"(If you drive a car—car)
I'll tax the street"

LOL!!! We just sent a check for the street tax for Bloomington/Normal Illinois because we bought two cars from a tiny dealer in a tiny town!!!  
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 bodhi wrote:
What Bill fails to mention is that at this time, under a socialist government, the tax rate for high earners in the UK was 90%, so George did have some legitimate reason to moan (along with Ray Davies of the Kinks 'Sunny Afternoon').

 
What you've failed to mention is the reason for the very high tax rate - so that very wealthy people cannot pass untold trainloads of money to their offspring, which would in a few short generations mean a handful of disgustingly rich families having uncontrollable power over a nation.

I once saw a video where George pulled up to his mansion in his Lamborghini with Paul and Ringo. They all got out and Paul made some wisecrack about it.

George Harrison had no reason to bitch about his tax rate, because at even 10% of his lifetime earnings he was still living far, far better than 99.999% of everyone else on the planet.
Posted 7 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
BLATANT RIPOFF OF THE JAM'S "START"!
Posted 9 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 Gollum wrote:
Strangely the song sounds like a stereo version in which only half of it is audible! This is often the case with beatles songs on RP...don't quite understand why that is....

 

I can't explain this very well technically, but the Beatles recordings were made with very little overlap between channels.  So if one of your speakers is out, you will hear only half of the music.
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Give us the mono version, please!
Posted 11 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
 Gollum wrote:
Strangely the song sounds like a stereo version in which only half of it is audible! This is often the case with beatles songs on RP...don't quite understand why that is....

 

I just noticed this and agree!
Posted 11 years ago by dw    [ Reply ]
Strangely the song sounds like a stereo version in which only half of it is audible! This is often the case with beatles songs on RP...don't quite understand why that is....
Posted 11 years ago by Gollum    [ Reply ]

marvelous song...  from one of the top ten albums of all time...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
What Bill fails to mention is that at this time, under a socialist government, the tax rate for high earners in the UK was 90%, so George did have some legitimate reason to moan (along with Ray Davies of the Kinks 'Sunny Afternoon').
Posted 11 years ago by bodhi    [ Reply ]

"The only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin." —Mark Twain
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]


Love this brilliant classic song...  as true now as it was then—



Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Great stuff!
Posted 11 years ago by Dav3thedog    [ Reply ]
 d48m02h1918 wrote:
Never tire of this song!!  What incredible bass lines by Paul, eh? 
 
 
I love that woody Hofner tone. 
Posted 12 years ago by capandjudy    [ Reply ]
Never tire of this song!!  What incredible bass lines by Paul, eh? 
 
Posted 12 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
As poignant today (maybe more) as it was then...{#Eek}
Posted 12 years ago by robotbass    [ Reply ]
 bachbeet wrote:
Great song from one of their best albums (if not their best).
 
PEPPER is definitely and RUBBER SOUL most likely better.
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]

I heard the taxman is still in Southern France, trying to figure out

where Keef and the gang burried all the gold!


Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 bachbeet wrote:
Great song from one of their best albums (if not their best).
 
According to my research of the best of the top Beatles songs by album, Help! is their "best" album followed closely by Revolver, then A Hard Day's Night and Magical Mystery Tour (tied), then Sgt. Pepper and Rubber Soul. Refer to Richard Thompson's response to the best songs of the past millennium for perspective on rankings such as this!
Posted 12 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
Great song from one of their best albums (if not their best).
Posted 12 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
How dare anyone complain about taxes?  As we all know, the wise...

"When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'" -Joe Biden, apparently unaware that FDR wasn't president when the stock market crashed in 1929 and that only experimental TV sets were in use at that time

...and virtuous...

"After publication of this information, Weiner held a press conference in New York at which he apologized, saying 'I have not been honest with myself, my family, my constituents, my friends and supporters, and the media' and that, 'to be clear, the picture was of me, and I sent it.'"

...moral paragons...

"Rep. Randy 'Duke' Cunningham said Monday he is resigning from Congress after pleading guilty to taking more than $2 million in bribes in a criminal conspiracy involving at least three defense contractors."

...of our political system...

Sen. John Kerry ... dodged a whopping six-figure state tax bill on his new multimillion-dollar yacht by mooring her in Newport, R.I.

...will spend your money...

"Goldman Sachs Group Inc and a parade of European banks were the major beneficiaries of $93 billion in payments from AIG — more than half of the U.S. taxpayer money spent to rescue the massive insurer."

...much...

"DOE, under Secretary Steven Chu, awarded Fisker a $529 million loan guarantee to produce a vehicle – the Karma – that retails for a $102,000 base price."

...more...

"The Gravina Island Bridge, commonly referred to as the 'Bridge to Nowhere', was a proposed bridge to replace the ferry that currently connects the town of Ketchikan, Alaska, with Gravina Island, an island that contains the Ketchikan International Airport as well as 50 residents. The bridge was projected to cost $398 million."

...wisely...

"Three months ago, CBS 5 caught Solyndra tossing millions of dollars worth of brand new glass tubes used to make solar panels. Now the bankrupt solar firm, once touted as a symbol of green technology, may be trying to abandon toxic waste...."

...and for more productive...

Chevrolet Volt In February 2012: Half Of Production Actually Sold

...and noble...

Report: Rampant Secret Service drinking, sex in 2011 trip

...purposes...

Michelle Obama’s Spain trip cost taxpayers $467k

...than mere individuals possibly could.  After all, they never make mistakes.

Obama Jokes at Jobs Council: 'Shovel-Ready Was Not as Shovel-Ready as We Expected'

Obama: JPMorgan Is ‘One of the Best-Managed Banks’
Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Holy crap, listen to McCartney lay down those bass lines!  Why doesn't he get more props for his bass skills?
Posted 12 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
More cowbell!
Posted 12 years ago by ycb661    [ Reply ]
I heard Romney's people were working out the details with Yoko on making this his official campaign song.
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Koan wrote: Just checking to see how many Obamaphobes signed in to make some lame political commentary with this song as currency. I'm assuming they prefer foreign currency to make their point since the party they prefer has rendered their own less valuable.

  kinAy wrote:

Who (the party they prefer) exactly did what?
And now, Obamaphobe? Voting non-Obama makes one phobic?
So...how's that "just checking in" working for you? {#Stupid}

 

The whole album is political and says a lot about the "currency" of many songs of the late 1960's in today's times of Trial and Tribulation.
Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
 ICHawk wrote:

That solo (played backwards) is also used as one of the tape loops in 'Tomorrow Never Knows.' The distinctive octave jumps/intervals give it away.

 
Is this for real??  If so, wow.  Another bit of Beatle trivia. I'ma have to go back to my albums and try to play the solo backwards... Man, I hate it when this happens...

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 rkhammer wrote:

Along with Rubber Soul...

 

{#Yes}Yep, in order Abbey Road, Revolver a close second and Rubber Soul third.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:

Mine too.

 
Along with Rubber Soul...

Posted 13 years ago by rkhammer    [ Reply ]
Could there be a more true song?
Posted 13 years ago by GT66    [ Reply ]
Bravo! Brilliant song for this weekend!
Posted 13 years ago by Majestic    [ Reply ]
 Rooney wrote:

I agree.  It may also be my favorite Beatle album.

 
Mine too.

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 furaha wrote:
The most astounding aspect of this song is that the guitar solo is played by Paul. 
 
That's an interesting thought. Paul started out as one of their three guitarists. Stu Sutcliffe was groomed as their bassist, and Paul took up the bass in the band when Stu left. I would think that Paul, who according to one correspondent "fairly oozed melody" with his bass work, would have continued to play guitar and hone his chops. Mighty generous of George to give Paul the lead in one of his songs.

Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


This is a fantastic song from a truly great album...  this song is good for the ears...
 
I agree.  It may also be my favorite Beatle album.

Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]

Happy George by ~lixiethedomedone
Alison  ©2009-2010 ~lixiethedomedone

This picture looks like it was taken yesterday!!! (it really does..it's pretty good for a '60s photo...)

but, sadly...it was not....

R.I.P. George Harrison 02/25/1943 - 11/29/2001 :'-(

.


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

George Harrison and Eric Clapton - "Taxman" Live Tokyo 

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 furaha wrote:
The most astounding aspect of this song is that the guitar solo is played by Paul. 
 
That solo (played backwards) is also used as one of the tape loops in 'Tomorrow Never Knows.' The distinctive octave jumps/intervals give it away.

Posted 14 years ago by ICHawk    [ Reply ]
 furaha wrote:
The most astounding aspect of this song is that the guitar solo is played by Paul. 
 
Only in the left channel
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
IMHO: One of the best songs on the very best Beatles album.
Posted 14 years ago by tapatia1072    [ Reply ]
The most astounding aspect of this song is that the guitar solo is played by Paul. 
Posted 14 years ago by furaha    [ Reply ]
 Koan wrote:
Just checking to see how many Obamaphobes signed in to make some lame political commentary with this song as currency. I'm assuming they prefer foreign currency to make their point since the party they prefer has rendered their own less valuable.

 
Who (the party they prefer) exactly did what?
And now, Obamaphobe? Voting non-Obama makes one phobic?
So...how's that "just checking in" working for you? {#Stupid}

Posted 14 years ago by kinAy    [ Reply ]
 BasmntMadman wrote:
Poor lads, beset by high marginal tax rates.  Left them with sooo little.  Poor John couldn't even afford a proper paint job for the Rolls Royce Phantom V he bought in 1966, and he had to make do with a gypsy mystic's efforts with a brush.  
 
Have to say you've got a point, Madman; still it's a great song.

Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
My favorite George Beatles tune. It really rocks!
Posted 15 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]
Love the bass line{#Bananajam}
Posted 15 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
Poor lads, beset by high marginal tax rates.  Left them with sooo little.  Poor John couldn't even afford a proper paint job for the Rolls Royce Phantom V he bought in 1966, and he had to make do with a gypsy mystic's efforts with a brush.  


Posted 15 years ago by BasmntMadman    [ Reply ]
Beatles at their best
Posted 15 years ago by AdyMiles    [ Reply ]
This will become America's theme song in the coming years. Ah, ah mister Bernanke... ah, ah mister Geithner... {#Arghhh}
Posted 15 years ago by shawshank    [ Reply ]
I like the way this follows 4 Chords that made a million.
Posted 15 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:

If I recall correctly, at the time the song was written they were being taxed at 95% in Britain. So they had a legitimate complaint.
 
Yeah, one of the reasons British bands like The Who, Beatles and Rolling Stones spent so much time in the US was to avoid taxes - The album Exile On Main Street got it's title because the Stones were Tax Exiles.

As for Taxman, George Harrison wrote it after learning that most of his earnings were going to the government.


Posted 15 years ago by Ndugu    [ Reply ]
 Aegean wrote:
The only thing more amusing than the appearance of this song in the Age of Aquarius (when money wasn't supposed to matter) is the spectacle of four working class boys in the process of striking it rich whining about paying their share of taxes!  {#Lol}
 
If I recall correctly, at the time the song was written they were being taxed at 95% in Britain. So they had a legitimate complaint.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
I play this each year while doing my taxes.
Posted 16 years ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
Just checking to see how many Obamaphobes signed in to make some lame political commentary with this song as currency. I'm assuming they prefer foreign currency to make their point since the party they prefer has rendered their own less valuable.

Posted 16 years ago by Koan    [ Reply ]
 Aegean wrote:
The only thing more amusing than the appearance of this song in the Age of Aquarius (when money wasn't supposed to matter) is the spectacle of four working class boys in the process of striking it rich whining about paying their share of taxes!  {#Lol}

{#Sleep}
 
Whatever...

Solid 9.

Posted 16 years ago by boileymon    [ Reply ]
screw you NJ property taxman ...
Posted 16 years ago by silentmark    [ Reply ]
(if you drive a car, car;) - I'll tax the street; (if you try to sit, sit;) - I'll tax your seat; (if you get too cold, cold;) - I'll tax the heat; (if you take a walk, walk;) - I'll tax your feet.
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Ando wrote:
Is this really the Revolver version? Or is it some later remix? I don't remember it quite like this...
then you must of been really enjoying yourself (with some assistance :-)) over the years. Classic solo in the right channel - repeating rhythm hits in the left
Posted 16 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
andrewimft wrote:
Ha, ha, ha. Silly, it's the Republicans who always prosecute lower income & middle income people with the IRS and let the rich slide, and the Republicans who lower tax rates for the rich and increase them for the poor. It was Reagan who did a massive restructering so that more was taken out of your paycheck unless you were rich. He also taxed waiters & waitresses and other previously exempt groups. Oh, ok let's go back to the myth-- yeah them Demmycrats are going to raise yr taxes and them Rethuglicans are not dictatorial vampire criminals, yeah that's it. And BTW, if you listen to the Beatles tune, they call out both the PM's for the Torys and Labor-- basically saying the govt.'ll tax you no matter what party. 'Course we don't need roads, hospitals or anything, we should just keep our money and count it on the rubble, that'll bring true happiness. And I love this song, it's a great one.
Well said my friend.
Posted 16 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
That's right folks. I PROMISE you I made 10x what you did last year and guess what I paid in taxes...a big fat ZERO. Please, I beg you....keep voting Republican. :) Cheers.
Posted 16 years ago by felam    [ Reply ]
Ask Mr. Wilson. Ask Mr. Heath!
Posted 16 years ago by Darrooon    [ Reply ]
jlind wrote:
I don't think I've ever heard this song, another random Beatles song that rocks!
Wow, you never heard this, well thats cool. You should buy the album, hands down my favorite Beatles album.
Posted 16 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
I don't think I've ever heard this song, another random Beatles song that rocks!
Posted 16 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
Gimme SRV's cover!
Posted 16 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
This song really needs to be played today.
Posted 16 years ago by jone_ston    [ Reply ]
AphidA wrote:
This should be Hillary or Obama's campaign theme song. A show of support for massive taxation.
Ha, ha, ha. Silly, it's the Republicans who always prosecute lower income & middle income people with the IRS and let the rich slide, and the Republicans who lower tax rates for the rich and increase them for the poor. It was Reagan who did a massive restructering so that more was taken out of your paycheck unless you were rich. He also taxed waiters & waitresses and other previously exempt groups. Oh, ok let's go back to the myth-- yeah them Demmycrats are going to raise yr taxes and them Rethuglicans are not dictatorial vampire criminals, yeah that's it. And BTW, if you listen to the Beatles tune, they call out both the PM's for the Torys and Labor-- basically saying the govt.'ll tax you no matter what party. 'Course we don't need roads, hospitals or anything, we should just keep our money and count it on the rubble, that'll bring true happiness. And I love this song, it's a great one.
Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
Not sure any Beatle's song is obscure, semi or not. "Good, semi-obscure Beatle single."
Posted 16 years ago by dcdog    [ Reply ]
This should be Hillary or Obama's campaign theme song. A show of support for massive taxation.
Posted 16 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
A classic protest song, still relevant today.
Posted 16 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Truth
Posted 16 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
Super song in the day, still fab now!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
thewiseking wrote:
kind of a silly dated little ditty. forgettable.
Not like anyone has to pay taxes anymore...wait a minute...
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
thewiseking wrote:
kind of a silly dated little ditty. forgettable.
It would be better with a little more cowbell.
Posted 16 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
kind of a silly dated little ditty. forgettable.
Posted 16 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Is this really the Revolver version? Or is it some later remix? I don't remember it quite like this...
Posted 16 years ago by Ando    [ Reply ]
A get down track..
Posted 16 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Thanks for reminding me my extension is up in 2 weeks.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
sancho wrote:
This rating was taked from the sky. I never belive! This 4 boys - really best!Yessssss
Go Russia Go.
Posted 17 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
Right after PT's "Four Chords that Made a Million." Nice.
Posted 17 years ago by BecauseEdwardISEdward    [ Reply ]
This rating was taked from the sky. I never belive! This 4 boys - really best!Yessssss
Posted 18 years ago by sancho    [ Reply ]
tomnam wrote:
I'm shocked at such a low rating for this song...
Yeah, me too. This is a great rocker!
Posted 18 years ago by Ian911299    [ Reply ]
This is a pretty good rock song from George Harrison but Paul McCartney was the one playing that great lead guitar solo and bass!
Posted 19 years ago by fab4fan    [ Reply ]
George nailed it with this one!!!
Posted 19 years ago by dwa375    [ Reply ]
I\'m shocked at such a low rating for this song...
Posted 21 years ago by tomnam    [ Reply ]
heh
Posted 21 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
song of the day today and then followed by lawyers, guns and money. pefect!
Posted 22 years ago by red    [ Reply ]
Great story behind this song, and great song too. This is the Beatles at that crucial period where they flowered as composers, the lead up to Sgt. Pepper. A worthy effort by Harrison, apparently helped out quite a bit by Lennon on this one. Good, semi-obscure Beatle single. Cheers Jacques Radio Paradise: What Radio Could Have Been.
Posted 22 years ago by Jacques    [ Reply ]