The Beatles — Taxman
![](https://img.radioparadise.com/covers/m/B000002UAR.jpg)
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Length: 2:35
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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)
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
bodhi wrote:
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.
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.
BLATANT RIPOFF OF THE JAM'S "START"!
Gollum wrote:
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.
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.
Give us the mono version, please!
Gollum wrote:
I just noticed this and agree!
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!
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....
marvelous song... from one of the top ten albums of all time...
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').
"The only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin." —Mark Twain
Love this brilliant classic song... as true now as it was then—
![](https://blogs.reuters.com/david-cay-johnston/files/2011/10/middle_class.gif)
Great stuff!
d48m02h1918 wrote:
I love that woody Hofner tone.
Never tire of this song!! What incredible bass lines by Paul, eh?
I love that woody Hofner tone.
Never tire of this song!! What incredible bass lines by Paul, eh?
As poignant today (maybe more) as it was then...![{#Eek} {#Eek}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_eek.gif)
![{#Eek} {#Eek}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_eek.gif)
bachbeet wrote:
PEPPER is definitely and RUBBER SOUL most likely better.
Great song from one of their best albums (if not their best).
PEPPER is definitely and RUBBER SOUL most likely better.
I heard the taxman is still in Southern France, trying to figure out
where Keef and the gang burried all the gold!
bachbeet wrote:
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!
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!
Great song from one of their best albums (if not their best).
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’
"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’
Holy crap, listen to McCartney lay down those bass lines! Why doesn't he get more props for his bass skills?
More cowbell!
I heard Romney's people were working out the details with Yoko on making this his official campaign song.
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} {#Stupid}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_stupid.gif)
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.
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} {#Stupid}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_stupid.gif)
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.
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...
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...
rkhammer wrote:
Along with Rubber Soul...
Yep, in order Abbey Road, Revolver a close second and Rubber Soul third.
Along with Rubber Soul...
![{#Yes} {#Yes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_yes.gif)
Dave_Mack wrote:
Mine too.
Along with Rubber Soul...
Mine too.
Along with Rubber Soul...
Could there be a more true song?
Bravo! Brilliant song for this weekend!
Rooney wrote:
I agree. It may also be my favorite Beatle album.
Mine too.
I agree. It may also be my favorite Beatle album.
Mine too.
furaha wrote:
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.
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.
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.
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.
![](https://fc08.deviantart.net/fs50/f/2009/333/1/4/Happy_George_by_lixiethedomedone.jpg)
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 :'-(
.
furaha 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.
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.
furaha wrote:
Only in the left channel
The most astounding aspect of this song is that the guitar solo is played by Paul.
Only in the left channel
IMHO: One of the best songs on the very best Beatles album.
The most astounding aspect of this song is that the guitar solo is played by Paul.
Koan 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} {#Stupid}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_stupid.gif)
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} {#Stupid}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_stupid.gif)
BasmntMadman wrote:
Have to say you've got a point, Madman; still it's a great song.
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.
My favorite George Beatles tune. It really rocks!
Love the bass line![{#Bananajam} {#Bananajam}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananajam.gif)
![{#Bananajam} {#Bananajam}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananajam.gif)
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.
Beatles at their best
This will become America's theme song in the coming years. Ah, ah mister Bernanke... ah, ah mister Geithner... ![{#Arghhh} {#Arghhh}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_arghhh.gif)
![{#Arghhh} {#Arghhh}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_arghhh.gif)
I like the way this follows 4 Chords that made a million.
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.
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.
Aegean 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.
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} {#Lol}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_lol.gif)
![{#Lol} {#Lol}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_lol.gif)
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.
I play this each year while doing my taxes.
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.
Aegean wrote:
![{#Sleep} {#Sleep}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_sleep.gif)
Whatever...
Solid 9.
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} {#Lol}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_lol.gif)
![{#Lol} {#Lol}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_lol.gif)
![{#Sleep} {#Sleep}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_sleep.gif)
Whatever...
Solid 9.
screw you NJ property taxman ...
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
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.
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.
Ask Mr. Wilson. Ask Mr. Heath!
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.
I don't think I've ever heard this song, another random Beatles song that rocks!
Gimme SRV's cover!
This song really needs to be played today.
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.
Not sure any Beatle's song is obscure, semi or not.
"Good, semi-obscure Beatle single."
This should be Hillary or Obama's campaign theme song. A show of support for massive taxation.
A classic protest song, still relevant today.
Truth
Super song in the day, still fab now!
thewiseking wrote:
kind of a silly dated little ditty.
forgettable.
Not like anyone has to pay taxes anymore...wait a minute...
thewiseking wrote:
kind of a silly dated little ditty.
forgettable.
It would be better with a little more cowbell.
kind of a silly dated little ditty.
forgettable.
Is this really the Revolver version? Or is it some later remix? I don't remember it quite like this...
A get down track..
![banana jam](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananajam.gif)
Thanks for reminding me my extension is up in 2 weeks.
sancho wrote:
This rating was taked from the sky. I never belive! This 4 boys - really best!
Go Russia Go. Yessssss
![drummer](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_drummer.gif)
Right after PT's "Four Chords that Made a Million." Nice.
This rating was taked from the sky. I never belive! This 4 boys - really best!
Yessssss
tomnam wrote:
I'm shocked at such a low rating for this song...
Yeah, me too. This is a great rocker!
This is a pretty good rock song from George Harrison but Paul McCartney was the one playing that great lead guitar solo and bass!
![cheers](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_cheers.gif)
![clap](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_clap.gif)
George nailed it with this one!!!
![nyah](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_nyah.gif)
![guitarist](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_guitarist.gif)
![nyah](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_nyah.gif)
I\'m shocked at such a low rating for this song...
heh
![clap](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_clap.gif)
![clap](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_clap.gif)
song of the day today and then followed by lawyers, guns and money. pefect!
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.
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!!!