The Beatles – Taxman: A Disgruntled Ballad of Financial Frustration
In the tapestry of The Beatles’ musical revolution, nestled amongst the playful pop anthems and introspective ballads, lies a song that strikes a discordant yet undeniably compelling chord: “Taxman.”
Released in 1966 on their groundbreaking album Revolver, “Taxman” marked a turning point for the band, showcasing a newfound willingness to tackle social and political themes.
Composed primarily by George Harrison, with lyrical contributions from John Lennon, the song emerged from a period of financial frustration for The Beatles. As the band’s astronomical success soared, so did their tax burden.
In the face of a seemingly exorbitant supertax levied by the British Labour government, Harrison channeled his discontent into a satirical and sardonic commentary.
Background
The song’s narrative unfolds from the perspective of a disgruntled taxpayer, aptly named the “Taxman.” Harrison’s sardonic vocals deliver scathing lines like “Let me tell you how it will be/ There’s one for you, nineteen for me,” painting a vivid picture of the imbalanced distribution of wealth and the disproportionate burden placed on successful individuals.
The lyrics, imbued with a wry humor and a touch of bitterness, capture the universal frustration of dealing with an opaque and seemingly insatiable tax system. Lines like “If you drive a car, I’ll tax the street/ If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat” showcase Harrison’s sharp wit and his ability to expose the pervasiveness of taxation in everyday life.
Musically, “Taxman” deviates from the band’s typical pop sound. The song features a driving rhythm section with a prominent double-tracked guitar riff, reminiscent of the emerging garage rock scene. The inclusion of a distorted harmonica adds a touch of grit and urgency, reflecting the agitation simmering beneath the surface of the lyrics.
“Taxman” quickly became a fan favorite, resonating with listeners who shared Harrison’s frustration with the taxman’s unrelenting grip. The song’s enduring appeal lies not only in its social commentary but also in its catchy melody and rock-infused energy.
Beyond its commercial success, “Taxman” holds historical significance as a marker of The Beatles’ artistic evolution. The song’s willingness to address social issues paved the way for their later, more politically charged works, solidifying their place as not just musical icons, but also cultural commentators of their time.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
One, two, three, fourOne, two (oh)Let me tell you how it will beThere’s one for you, 19 for me‘Cause I’m the taxmanYeah, I’m the taxmanShould five percent appear too smallBe thankful I don’t take it all‘Cause I’m the taxmanYeah, I’m the taxmanI’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 feetTaxman‘Cause I’m the taxmanYeah, I’m the taxmanDon’t ask me what I want it for(Haha, Mr. Wilson)If you don’t want to pay some more(Haha, Mr. Heath)