This was 1966 when the Beatles were getting into their experimental phase, also we have to remember at that time they were paying appeoximately 98% tax, so they made a complaint through their music, a very clever way of demonstrating.
The Revolver album was the real beginning of the changes they would bring. The album cover, drawing by Klaus Voorman inspired my style of art. I was still in High School then. The Beatles, in so very many ways, inspired more people than just musicians. They were a World Power.
You're right, quite a funky song, written by George Harrison. Another one that rarely gets play is Baby You're a Rich Man, another political song. As far as guitar solos, check out Helter Skelter. It's amazing.
You're actually correct. Each of the members had expressed growing weary of the same old pop love songs. They actually started moving away from that earlier but this album contains many different genre and subject matter. By this time many in the music world were struggling to keep up with these guys.
This song came out in 1966, as part of the group’s album, “Revolver”. The song came out when “go-go” dance music in dance clubs were popular. In the dance clubs, female go-go dancers wearing bikinis, and sometimes artistic paint on their bodies (done in order not to be classified as strippers in some cities, but to be classified as “exotic or artistic” dancers) would stand around in protective cages, and dance and bump and grind to the go-go music dance songs of the era to entertain the male club patrons. If the music was really good, couples would go out onto the floor and dance together amongst the go-go dancers. “Taxman” could also be classified as a British “Mod Rock” song, but that music subgenre was winding down by 1966.
Their first albums were pure Rock ‘n’ Roll, but around the albums Rubber Soul and Revolver their music and message did a 180, that is one of the reasons why they never toured again, they couldn’t at the time replicate on stage what they achieved in the studio, they evolved faster than technology. That evolution took the world by storm and it’s why they’re to this day the most influential band in history.
'And my advice to those who die / declare the pennies on your eyes" Hilarious. Great solo, but Helter Skelter is a hot guitar song by them. Also, the "The End" guitar solos with Lennon, McCartney and Harrison alternating guitar solos is fire.
Release date 1966, 4 years after first stepping into a recording studio. Written and sung by George Harrison. Actually, in the UK at that time, taxes were crazy high. When George says 5% you can keep but we get 95% of what you make, he wasn't joking. At that time, a lot of musicians/bands were making big money, but the government was getting the lion's share of it. A lot of people were socking it away in tax shelters or in offshore or Swiss banks. Many moved out of the UK, even changed their nationality in order to keep a lot more of their money. By this point, 4 years on, the Beatles realized this wasn't a lucky break or a passing thing, this was a real career, and they were ready to establish some real financial security. Hard to do if most of your money was sucked away by taxes. By the way, did you catch the reference about the 'pennies on your eyes'? The ancient Greeks buried their dead with a small coin laid on each eye; the coins were intended for the deceased to have to pay Charon, the blind ferryman that ferried the dead souls across the River Styx to Hades, the Land of the Dead. George was saying Inland Revenue (the UK tax office) would even tax the coins you were intending to go to the afterlife. Note: Yes, most popular music in the early 1960s were about love, but not all of them. There had always been songs about life, about jobs, about other problems or joys. By 1966, there were songs about the Vietnam War, about injustice (usually racial), about economic inequality, about music itself, about new experiences, and a lot of other stuff.
They were never outcasts for this song - maybe you meant it surprised some with its rebelliousness in a pop world. You got it in the end. It’s about oppressive taxes that seem arbitrary, often. As others mentioned, the taxes in UK were astronomical for the wealthy in those days.
This was Britain pre Decimalisation when a pound was 20 shillings - so the line is “ 19 for you and one for me” I.e. 95% tax which is what high earners like The Beatles were paying.
I don't know about solo but you should check out the attitude of the guitars on their hit song, Revolution from the late 60s. Everything about it is pretty hard and yet the lyrics are just so damn clever but still slightly abstract.
Just saw a clip on UA-cam today featuring Paul and Linda. They were appearing in a sketch of the Mike Yarwood TV Show from the late 70s or early 80s. In it, Paul hides his money in the piano he has been playing, and says something about being taxed 98 pence in the pound. No idea if that was a true amount or not, of course.
For legendary guitar solos, have you listened to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps?" It features the legendary Eric Clapton, who appeared as a courtesy to George who wrote the song.
I love also the optimistic songs from Paup like Here, There and Everywhere, The Long and Winding Road, Your Mother Should know, The Fool On The Hill.... try some
George may also have been aiming some hidden barbs at John and Paul’s Northern Songs writing deal where they 2 were getting the lion’s share of the money, while he and Ringo were left with pennies to their pounds.
in the 1950s and 60's, England had a series of socialist governments (the Labour Party), and the highest tax rate was astronomical.. something like 90% for high earners... which is why a lot of rock stars moved away
This is one of my favourite Beatles songs, although haven't heard it for a while. Did you hear the Liverpudlian pronunciation of 'declare' in 'declare the pennies on your eyes'?
The song was written by George Harrison to protest the progressive taxation by the Labour Party led by Mr. Harold Wilson the British Prime Minister during that time.
Nice listen! Hey man please check out Supertramp. They are along with Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin one of the HUGE acts of the 70's into 80's. Start with the song School.
During this time the tax rate in Britain was at least 95% on the pound currency. So, for every million pounds they made, They kept 50,000 pounds! CRAZY!!
Do you forget that you do have a say in your tax laws by voting for and electing politicians to represent your desires in Washington DC for lower taxes. But the Beatles were talking about the tax rate interest UK in the 1960's.
What facinates me the most, they didn't write the lyrics in a serious way. It sounds so sarcastic, ironic and cynical. I don't think many artists write such lyrics nowadays. Yeah, and deciding to sing about... a taxman? Just whyy, why no one does that today?!?!
Back in the 1960s the Taxman was taking something like 96 p in every pound the Beatles earned it may have even been more than that , the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the British government at the time said " I'm going to tax the rich until the Pips squeak " . That's why George wrote the song
That was allegedly said by Denis Healey, Labour Party Chancellor of the Exchequer 1974-9, long after the Beatles broke up. He has denied it , but he did say that about property speculators. The Tax complained about was income tax in the 1960s.
At your leisure, check out the music video for “Going To A Go-Go”, by The Rolling Stones (which is a cover of a hit song by Smokey Robinson And The Miracles).
I think this song has a few elements from the 60's Batman series opening tune (the series started early 1968, Taxman is from halfway 1968, so could be where this song began..) ua-cam.com/video/kK4H-LkrQjQ/v-deo.htmlsi=RT3cab0oDzZvhFl5
The Beatles, during their peak years in the 1960s were paying 95% of their income in the United Kingdom and I'm sure the USA can top that one day if only give a chance. Grate reaction Michael have fun
For all his Eastern mysticism, George was very clued up when it came to money. However, the 95% tax rate complained of ("one for you, 19 for me") was not on all their earnings. It only applied to the highest slice of their earnings, above a certain level and designed to catch the super rich. Annoying for sure, but not quite as one sided as George made out. Best Beatles guitar solo? If Eric Clapton on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is ruled out for not being a Beatle, then I'd say George on "Let It Be" (album version).
Love it! Thank you so much. PLEASE consider the following. You won’t be disappointed…. My Oh My by Sad Cafe Them Changes by Buddy Miles Cissy Strut by The Meters All this is that by The Beach Boys I’m leaving by Shelby Lynne Catch the wind by Donovan A little piece of my heart, by Irma Franklin Stay with me baby by Lorraine, Ellison Spooky, by Dusty Springfield Spirits having flown by the Bee Gees Welcome aboard by the love, unlimited orchestra I’m still waiting by Diana Ross You are everything by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye An England in New York Godley and Creme Pinball by Brian Protheroe Curtains by Elton John 99 miles from LA by Art Garfunkel Mustang Sally by Wilson Picket Georgia by Elton John Teenage Rampage by The Sweet Outer space by Billy Preston Different drum by the Stone, Poneys/Linda Ronstadt Your time is going to come by Sandy Shore You’re Love is Forever by George Harrison Strict Machine-Goldfrapp One of these days by Paul McCartney Take Five by Dave Brubeck It’s all over now Baby Blue by Them A keeper of the fire by Buffy Sainte-Marie Let Forever Be by Chemical Brothers This Town ain’t big enough for the both of us by Sparks Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham Singapore by Tom Waits When I grow too old by Jimmy Smith Is that all there is by Peggy Lee Drop by Hope Sandoval All I need by Air Casino Royale by Herb Albert Got to get you into my life by Earth, Wind & Fire Walk on Guilded Splinters- Dr John Twist by Goldfrapp Virginia Plain by Roxy Music Asleep from Day by the Chemical Brothers Open Up by Leftfield
![Taxman by The Beatles [4K] | First Time Reaction!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tBrgZ1-5GdU/mqdefault.jpg)
Written by Harrison, but the killer guitar solo was by . . . McCartney, the bass player. That's how versatile they were.
surprising but true.
Opening song on Revolver must have blown peoples minds in 1966, still sounds new imo.
I was 18 in 66. Revolver did in fact blow me away. it still does.
The Beatles are the greatest song writers . Such insight for young men . So many different types of songs with fantastic melodies Genius
No kidding, Paul wrote Yesterday at 22 ffs!
@@andreshernandez1180and the first song they played he wrote at 16
In case you were wondering "Mr. Wilson" was the Labour Party leader, "Mr. Heath" was the Conservative one at that time.
Written and sung by George Harrison my favourite Beatle, great reaction.
This was 1966 when the Beatles were getting into their experimental phase, also we have to remember at that time they were paying appeoximately 98% tax, so they made a complaint through their music, a very clever way of demonstrating.
The versatility of The Beatles is amazing. From the country tinged “Act Naturally” to Sgt Peppers. What a variety . Great reaction as always brother
The Revolver album was the real beginning of the changes they would bring.
The album cover, drawing by Klaus Voorman inspired my style of art. I was still in High School then.
The Beatles, in so very many ways, inspired more people than just musicians.
They were a World Power.
You're right, quite a funky song, written by George Harrison. Another one that rarely gets play is Baby You're a Rich Man, another political song. As far as guitar solos, check out Helter Skelter. It's amazing.
The Beatles guitar solos on "The End" from Abbey Roads features some fine work.
The mayonnaise is falling behind your sofa!! Good reaction. A revolutionary song by the Beatles. Their change.
Even though George wrote this song & was the lead guitarist Paul did the insane guitar solos on this.
You're actually correct. Each of the members had expressed growing weary of the same old pop love songs. They actually started moving away from that earlier but this album contains many different genre and subject matter. By this time many in the music world were struggling to keep up with these guys.
This song came out in 1966, as part of the group’s album, “Revolver”.
The song came out when “go-go” dance music in dance clubs were popular. In the dance clubs, female go-go dancers wearing bikinis, and sometimes artistic paint on their bodies (done in order not to be classified as strippers in some cities, but to be classified as “exotic or artistic” dancers) would stand around in protective cages, and dance and bump and grind to the go-go music dance songs of the era to entertain the male club patrons. If the music was really good, couples would go out onto the floor and dance together amongst the go-go dancers.
“Taxman” could also be classified as a British “Mod Rock” song, but that music subgenre was winding down by 1966.
Their first albums were pure Rock ‘n’ Roll, but around the albums Rubber Soul and Revolver their music and message did a 180, that is one of the reasons why they never toured again, they couldn’t at the time replicate on stage what they achieved in the studio, they evolved faster than technology. That evolution took the world by storm and it’s why they’re to this day the most influential band in history.
And Your Bird Can Sing and Hey Bulldog both feature an outstanding guitar solo.
In the 60s the Beatles were paying 95 percent tax on every £pound they earned.
Excellent Harrison composition with a kickass solo by McCartney.
There’s great interview of the early Beatles where they were asked if they were millionaires. George answered, “Ask the queen, she’s a millionaire.”
Yes, That song still fits today. Good job Beatles. 👍👏😁
Sir Paul McCartney on Guitar Solo. Most people don't realize that.
'And my advice to those who die / declare the pennies on your eyes" Hilarious. Great solo, but Helter Skelter is a hot guitar song by them. Also, the "The End" guitar solos with Lennon, McCartney and Harrison alternating guitar solos is fire.
Release date 1966, 4 years after first stepping into a recording studio.
Written and sung by George Harrison.
Actually, in the UK at that time, taxes were crazy high. When George says 5% you can keep but we get 95% of what you make, he wasn't joking. At that time, a lot of musicians/bands were making big money, but the government was getting the lion's share of it. A lot of people were socking it away in tax shelters or in offshore or Swiss banks. Many moved out of the UK, even changed their nationality in order to keep a lot more of their money.
By this point, 4 years on, the Beatles realized this wasn't a lucky break or a passing thing, this was a real career, and they were ready to establish some real financial security. Hard to do if most of your money was sucked away by taxes.
By the way, did you catch the reference about the 'pennies on your eyes'? The ancient Greeks buried their dead with a small coin laid on each eye; the coins were intended for the deceased to have to pay Charon, the blind ferryman that ferried the dead souls across the River Styx to Hades, the Land of the Dead. George was saying Inland Revenue (the UK tax office) would even tax the coins you were intending to go to the afterlife.
Note:
Yes, most popular music in the early 1960s were about love, but not all of them. There had always been songs about life, about jobs, about other problems or joys. By 1966, there were songs about the Vietnam War, about injustice (usually racial), about economic inequality, about music itself, about new experiences, and a lot of other stuff.
They were never outcasts for this song - maybe you meant it surprised some with its rebelliousness in a pop world. You got it in the end. It’s about oppressive taxes that seem arbitrary, often. As others mentioned, the taxes in UK were astronomical for the wealthy in those days.
Written at a time when Britain was taxing people over a certain income level at 95% of their earnings.
McCartney contributed three of the many great things in this song... 1. The awesome bass 2. The fantastic guitar solo 3. Very nice backing vocals
This was Britain pre Decimalisation when a pound was 20 shillings - so the line is “ 19 for you and one for me” I.e. 95% tax which is what high earners like The Beatles were paying.
I don't know about solo but you should check out the attitude of the guitars on their hit song, Revolution from the late 60s. Everything about it is pretty hard and yet the lyrics are just so damn clever but still slightly abstract.
Even more apropos today as our taxes altogether, including hidden taxes of inflation are upward of 50-60%
Just saw a clip on UA-cam today featuring Paul and Linda. They were appearing in a sketch of the Mike Yarwood TV Show from the late 70s or early 80s. In it, Paul hides his money in the piano he has been playing, and says something about being taxed 98 pence in the pound. No idea if that was a true amount or not, of course.
For legendary guitar solos, have you listened to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps?" It features the legendary Eric Clapton, who appeared as a courtesy to George who wrote the song.
Thanks Mike. Stay on the Beatles Train.Try "She Said, She Said" from this album. Classic John Lennon lyrics.
So true, even today!
I love also the optimistic songs from Paup like Here, There and Everywhere, The Long and Winding Road, Your Mother Should know, The Fool On The Hill.... try some
The term you are looking for is Power Pop
George may also have been aiming some hidden barbs at John and Paul’s Northern Songs writing deal where they 2 were getting the lion’s share of the money, while he and Ringo were left with pennies to their pounds.
in the 1950s and 60's, England had a series of socialist governments (the Labour Party), and the highest tax rate was astronomical.. something like 90% for high earners... which is why a lot of rock stars moved away
I think it was 95%, actually. “Should 5% appear too small be thankful I don’t take it all”.
This is one of my favourite Beatles songs, although haven't heard it for a while. Did you hear the Liverpudlian pronunciation of 'declare' in 'declare the pennies on your eyes'?
George Harrison wrote the song and sings lead. Paul McCartney plays bass and also plays the two solo guitar riffs.
The song was written by George Harrison to protest the progressive taxation by the Labour Party led by Mr. Harold Wilson the British Prime Minister during that time.
There was a period in the 70s in the UK when tax over the allowed threshold was 95%.
The 95% marginal tax rate was no joke.
Created a lot of tax exiles...
Personally early Beatles is the best.
Nice listen! Hey man please check out Supertramp. They are along with Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin one of the HUGE acts of the 70's into 80's. Start with the song School.
During this time the tax rate in Britain was at least 95% on the pound currency. So, for every million pounds they made, They kept 50,000 pounds! CRAZY!!
Do you forget that you do have a say in your tax laws by voting for and electing politicians to represent your desires in Washington DC for lower taxes. But the Beatles were talking about the tax rate interest UK in the 1960's.
Love your reactions, been watching a while and have gone back through them. Can I ask, what is up with the mayo? 😂
They have some tasty solos on The End from Abbey Road.
What facinates me the most, they didn't write the lyrics in a serious way. It sounds so sarcastic, ironic and cynical. I don't think many artists write such lyrics nowadays. Yeah, and deciding to sing about... a taxman? Just whyy, why no one does that today?!?!
Back in the 1960s the Taxman was taking something like 96 p in every pound the Beatles earned it may have even been more than that , the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the British government at the time said " I'm going to tax the rich until the Pips squeak " . That's why George wrote the song
That was allegedly said by Denis Healey, Labour Party Chancellor of the Exchequer 1974-9, long after the Beatles broke up. He has denied it , but he did say that about property speculators. The Tax complained about was income tax in the 1960s.
this and Satisfaction by the Stones is as hard/heavy as it got in the mid 60s
Beatles songs...ha ... they go from "I want to hold your hand" to "I want you" just listen to those two songs and see how the band changed!
At your leisure, check out the music video for “Going To A Go-Go”, by The Rolling Stones (which is a cover of a hit song by Smokey Robinson And The Miracles).
Best guitar solo-
While My Guitar Gently Weeps!
In England they place Pennies on the closed eyes of the dead. Like the government will also tax two Pennie’s🤣
I think this song has a few elements from the 60's Batman series opening tune (the series started early 1968, Taxman is from halfway 1968, so could be where this song began..) ua-cam.com/video/kK4H-LkrQjQ/v-deo.htmlsi=RT3cab0oDzZvhFl5
'66, not '68.
❤❤
Go get the mayo 😂😂
Taxman was about a film the Beatles made and they each got 10,000 pounds. After Taxes they got 500 pounds each. The tax rate was 95%.
You'd like, Average White Band, "Pick Up the Pieces" They play amazingly. A Scottish funk band.
Just Rock & Roll. Too short, it was an ok song. ✌️
The Beatles, during their peak years in the 1960s were paying 95% of their income in the United Kingdom and I'm sure the USA can top that one day if only give a chance. Grate reaction Michael have fun
Taxes for high earners like the Beatles have gotten lower and lower since the 1960s.
This sounds like a Momo recording to me Michael
For all his Eastern mysticism, George was very clued up when it came to money. However, the 95% tax rate complained of ("one for you, 19 for me") was not on all their earnings. It only applied to the highest slice of their earnings, above a certain level and designed to catch the super rich. Annoying for sure, but not quite as one sided as George made out.
Best Beatles guitar solo? If Eric Clapton on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is ruled out for not being a Beatle, then I'd say George on "Let It Be" (album version).
Beatles answer to BATMAN
lol lol lol .. This guy aint gettin the FABS
Love it! Thank you so much. PLEASE consider the following. You won’t be disappointed….
My Oh My by Sad Cafe
Them Changes by Buddy Miles
Cissy Strut by The Meters
All this is that by The Beach Boys
I’m leaving by Shelby Lynne
Catch the wind by Donovan
A little piece of my heart, by Irma Franklin
Stay with me baby by Lorraine, Ellison
Spooky, by Dusty Springfield
Spirits having flown by the Bee Gees
Welcome aboard by the love, unlimited orchestra
I’m still waiting by Diana Ross
You are everything by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye
An England in New York Godley and Creme
Pinball by Brian Protheroe
Curtains by Elton John
99 miles from LA by Art Garfunkel
Mustang Sally by Wilson Picket
Georgia by Elton John
Teenage Rampage by The Sweet
Outer space by Billy Preston
Different drum by the Stone, Poneys/Linda Ronstadt
Your time is going to come by Sandy Shore
You’re Love is Forever by George Harrison
Strict Machine-Goldfrapp
One of these days by Paul McCartney
Take Five by Dave Brubeck
It’s all over now Baby Blue by Them
A keeper of the fire by Buffy Sainte-Marie
Let Forever Be by Chemical Brothers
This Town ain’t big enough for the both of us by Sparks
Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham
Singapore by Tom Waits
When I grow too old by Jimmy Smith
Is that all there is by Peggy Lee
Drop by Hope Sandoval
All I need by Air
Casino Royale by Herb Albert
Got to get you into my life by Earth, Wind & Fire
Walk on Guilded Splinters- Dr John
Twist by Goldfrapp
Virginia Plain by Roxy Music
Asleep from Day by the Chemical Brothers
Open Up by Leftfield
People say George took the Batman theme song and borrowed it. This was from the tv show, Batman.
Has your mayo expired yet?
helter skelter
Agree