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SATURDAY HARRISONG

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It’s only fitting that we conclude this week of “All Things George” with one of my favorite George Harrison songs.

“Taxman” was the sixth song by George to appear on a Beatles album; out of all the Beatles songs combined (not counting solo work), only 22 were written by George. “Taxman” was released as the opening track on “Revolver” in 1966. It’s a powerful piece of guitar rock with a sexy beat that dives into psychedelic rock.

Written from the perspective of a federal agent, the song sarcastically attacks the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British government of then Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Early on, the press called the Beatles millionaires; they were so naïve, they didn’t realize their millions were earnings, not assets, and they needed to set aside a lot of those earnings for taxes. They were never happy about that and that’s why George wrote “Taxman”. They’d been poor boys who worked hard to make their money and now someone was trying to take it away …. something we can all relate to.

This song named names and pointed fingers; it’s down and dirty, gritty and sexy, and I didn’t need any more convincing that George had it going on. This song bashed me over the head like a caveman and dragged me home by the hair …. and I loved it.

From 1966’s Revolver, with superb artwork by the brilliant Klaus Voormann, this is the gritty, sexy, down and dirty “Taxman”.

Lyrics

One, two, three, four
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 percent appear too small
Be thankful I don’t take it all
‘Cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman

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
(Ah, ah, Mr. Wilson)
If you don’t want to pay some more
(Ah, ah, 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)

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: George Harrison
Taxman lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

I hope you enjoyed reading about George this week as much as I enjoyed writing about him. Thanks, and remember…..

There’s not a single thing wrong with a George Harrisong!

NAR © 2023

25 thoughts on “SATURDAY HARRISONG”

  1. An excellent end to a great week of George’s gorgeous music. I wondered at the outset if you’d feature my favourite – and you didn’t!

    I look at the world
    And I notice, it’s turning
    While my guitar gently weeps
    With every mistake
    We must surely be learning
    Still, my guitar gently weeps…..

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    1. Ah, that song is almost sacred, isn’t it? I love it, too!
      It’s from the White album, as you know. I think WMGGW is the 11th or 12th song George wrote for the Beatles and my George Series was never meant to run that long. But because you waited so patiently, here is is. I sure hope the © laws allow you to open it! Thanks so much, Keith!

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    1. If we learned anything from watching the documentary “Get Back”, it’s that all the arguments at that time period were between Paul and George. “Taxman” was a big deal in George’s writing career; he was making a name for himself and Paul simply couldn’t stand that. Many people think John was the bully in the group; he had his moments but really, it was Paul. He had to run everything, even if it meant taking George’s lead solo in “Taxman” away from him. People will disagree with me and that’s their right but, in spite all you’ve read and heard, Paul is not a very nice person.

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      1. He calls George his “little brother” all the time, and it manifests itself in what a bully he was. I respect his talent and give him his due as a singer, songwriter, and musician, but he was a real jerk to George, who walked out a couple of times as a result.

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