Taxman
The Beatles
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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, I'll tax the street, If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat. If you get too cold I'll tax the heat, If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet. Don't ask me what I want it for If you don't want to pay some more 'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman Now my advice for those who die Declare the pennies on your eyes 'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman And you're working for no one but me.
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Written by: George Harrison
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song CompositionThe song "Taxman" is known for being one of the first songs mainly composed by George Harrison for The Beatles.
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Released Date"Taxman" was officially released on August 5, 1966, as part of The Beatles' studio album "Revolver.”
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RecordingThe band recorded the track on April 20 and 21, 1966, at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.
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Lyrics InspirationGeorge Harrison was inspired to write this song due to his frustration with the high percentage of income tax he was obliged to pay, which was, at the time, almost 95%.
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Guitar SoloThough George Harrison was The Beatles' main guitarist, the guitar solo in "Taxman" was actually played by Paul McCartney.
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Satirical Song"Taxman" is notable for its satirical content aimed at the British Labour government, and particularly their high tax rate for high-income individuals.
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Cover ArtThe cover art of the "Revolver" album, where "Taxman" resides, was created by artist Klaus Voormann. It won a Grammy for Album Cover, Graphic Arts in 1966.
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Sound EffectAn interesting feature of "Taxman" is the countdown at the beginning of the song, which is done by Paul McCartney and counts off "1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2...," adding a new style to the intro.
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Song Influences"Taxman" displays the influence of Indian classical music on George Harrison’s songwriting, featuring a mixolydian scale on D in the guitar solo.
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TributeIn the song's lyrics, George Harrison mentions "Mr. Wilson" and "Mr. Heath," referring to Harold Wilson, the UK Prime Minister at the time, and Edward Heath, the Leader of the Opposition.
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Notable Covers"Taxman" has been covered by various artists over the years, including Junior Parker, The Jam, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
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Live PerformancesDespite its popularity, "Taxman" was never performed live by The Beatles during their active years. However, George Harrison did perform it during his solo career.
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"Taxman Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32803912/The+Beatles/Taxman>.
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