Taxman
By:
The Beatles
Lyrics:
Taxman
Lead vocals:
George Harrison
Songwriter(s):
George Harrison
First released on:
Revolver
U.S. release date:
August 8, 1966
U.K. release date:
August 5, 1966
Length (≈):
2:39
Label:
Capitol
Label:
Parlophone
Produced by:
George Martin
Recording date(s):
April 20, 21 & 22 , May 16, and June 21, 1966
Recorded at:
Abbey Road Studios (EMI)
Musicians :
- George Harrison – lead vocal, lead guitar
- John Lennon – backing vocal
- Paul McCartney – backing vocal, bass, lead guitar solo
- Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine, cowbell
George Harrison wrote Taxman when he learned that he had hit the UK's highest tax bracket (a marginal rate of 95%). It was a strong rock 'n' roll number, perhaps the group's srongest ever, and the first overtly political song performed by the Beatles. John probably contributed a few lines to the lyrics, such as "Now My advice for those who die -- Declare the pennies on your eyes." The bridge ends with a Paul and John shout of "Taxman!" that is a clear reference to the Batman TV serial popular at the time. The recording of this song was fragmented. In April of 1966 the group first made 4 takes and then trashed them, re-doing the rhythm track and overdubbing the vocals. John re-worked the backing vocal track and Ringo added a cowbell. Paul wrote a guitar solo for George, Indian-style, and then in May and June the group added other elements (like George's count-off and a fading outro featuring Paul).
Recording
April 21 &22, May 16, 1966 in 11 takes with considerable changes in the mixing process on June 21, 1966.
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