• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
BACK TAXES HELP
  • Tax Problems
    ▼
    • Tax Problems Overview
    • Audit
      ▼
      • Audits Overview
      • Audited and Can’t Pay
      • Avoid Tax Audit
      • Statute of Limitations
    • Business
    • IRS Letters
    • Tax Levy
      ▼
      • Tax Levy Overview
      • Bank Levy
      • IRS Asset Seizure
      • Protect Assets
      • Release Tax Levy
      • Social Security Garnishment
      • Tax Levy Appeals Process
      • Wage Garnishments
    • Tax Lien
      ▼
      • Tax Lien Overview
      • Release or Withdrawal of Tax Lien
      • Appeal Tax Lien
      • IRS Form 14135: Discharge Tax Lien
      • IRS Form 12277: Request Lien Withdrawal
    • Tax on Settlement of Consumer Liabilities
    • Tax Penalties
      ▼
      • Tax Penalties Overview
      • Failure to File Penalty
      • Failure to Pay Penalty
      • IRS Interest Underpayment
      • Late Filing Penalty
      • Late Payment Penalty
      • Tax Evasion
      • Tax Fraud
      • Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
    • Unfiled Taxes
      ▼
      • File Back Taxes
      • Unfiled Taxes Return
      • Unfiled Tax Return Consequences
    • Unpaid Taxes
      ▼
      • Unpaid Taxes Overview
      • IRS Collections: How The Process Works & How to Stop It
      • Find Out Tax Amount Owed
      • IRS Statute of Limitations
  • Tax Solutions
    ▼
    • Tax Solutions
    • Bankruptcy
    • IRS Tax Appeal
      ▼
      • IRS Tax Appeal Overview
      • IRS Collection Due Process (CDP)
      • Collection Appeals Program (CAP)
    • Payment Plans
      ▼
      • Payment Plans Overview
      • Installment Agreements
      • Short-Term Extension
    • Tax Settlement
      ▼
      • Tax Settlement Overview
      • Innocent Spouse Tax Relief
      • Offer in Compromise
      • Penalty Abatement
      • Prove Financial Hardship
      • Tax Negotiation
  • State Tax Relief
  • About Us
    ▼
    • About BackTaxesHelp
    • Tax Professionals
      ▼
      • Tax Professionals Overview
      • CPA
      • IRS Enrolled Agent
      • Tax Attorney
      • Tax Resolution Services
      • Taxpayer Advocate Services
      • Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
      • Tax Relief Scams
    • Tax Services
      ▼
      • Our Tax Services
      • Tax Process
    • Testimonials
    • Our Team
    • Get A Quote
  • Resources
    ▼
    • Resources Overview
    • Back Taxes FAQ
    • Forms: IRS and State
    • How To
    • IRS Phone Numbers
    • Power of Attorney
    • Tax Filings
  • Tax Blog
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Back Taxes Help HomepageBack Taxes Help

Get tax help

Call for a Free Consultation800-928-5035
Call for a Free
Consultation
800-928-5035
  • Tax Problems
    • About Tax Problems
    • Audit
    • Business
    • IRS Letters
    • Tax Levy
    • Tax Lien
    • Tax on Settlement of Consumer Liabilities
    • Unfiled Taxes
    • Unpaid Taxes
  • Tax Solutions
    • About Tax Solutions
    • IRS Tax Appeal
    • Repayment Plans
    • Tax Settlement
  • State Tax Relief
  • About Us
    • About BackTaxesHelp
    • Tax Professionals
    • Tax Services
    • Testimonials
    • Our Team
    • Get a FREE Quote
  • Resources
    • Tax Resources
    • Back Taxes FAQ
    • Forms: IRS and State
    • How To
    • IRS Phone Numbers
    • Power of Attorney
    • Tax Filings
  • Tax Blog
Home / Entertainment / History of the Beatles Taxman Song

History of the Beatles Taxman Song

May 1, 2012 By Manny Vetti

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin

the beatles album

Taxes are a necessity to pay for government programs in different nations, but the rates of taxation are historically a hot-button issue. In 1966, the Beatles released a song that exuded frustrations with taxation on the middle class entitled “Taxman”. The song itself was based on member George Harrison’s personal frustrations with the British government, although the lyrics are relevant today for anyone in any country who shudders at the thought of paying taxes. Today, the song is played on radio stations and television commercials during the approach of the American tax season.

Beginnings

During the mid-1960s, the Beatles were at the height of popularity, thanks in part to the lyrical geniuses of members John Lennon and Paul McCartney. At this point, the band had made it big from more pop-like songs, such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Help!”. As social controversies began to become more main-stream in both the United States and the United Kingdom, musicians followed suit with songs that related directly to the times and to the heart and minds of listeners who connected with them.

 Lead Beatles guitarist, George Harrison, had yet to directly write the lyrics of any of the band’s songs. In 1966, Harrison approached Lennon to help him write his first song for the band. Entitled “Taxman,” the song stemmed from Harrison’s dissatisfaction with the British government and the resulting tax bracket he was placed in. The astounded guitarist was notified that over 90 percent of his income was designated to be paid back to the government. Not only did Harrison achieve to let out his frustrations, but he also pointedly referred to government leaders Edward Heath and Harold Wilson. They were referred to by McCartney and Lennon in the background vocals as “Mr. Heath” and “Mr. Wilson,” respectively. Heath was the leader of the Conservative Party in Great Britain from 1965 to 1975, and he went on to serve as the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister between 1970 and 1974. Wilson was the Labour Party’s leader and served twice as Prime Minister—once before Heath, and again after Heath’s term ended in 1974. The Beatles recorded “Taxman” in April 1966 and the mixed track was officially released later that summer. It was released on the band’s album “Revolver” as the opening track. Throughout the background vocals, the band members declare, “Taxman!” in the same tune as the famous 1960s Adam West show, “Batman.”

Today’s Taxman

As April 15 rolls around each year, the “Taxman” seems to make its way on the airwaves of American radio stations and televisions. Every year when the tax deadline approaches, many radio stations play the song as a way to seek out the humor in fellow taxpayers. Post offices and even some IRS employees play the song on their office radios as ways to release the tension of the season and share a laugh or two. During a solo tour in 1991, George Harrison played a new rendition of “Taxman”, but he changed the names of the politicians he refers to from Mr. Heath and Mr. Wilson to Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton. Harrison continued to play the song on his solo tours because he knew that it struck a chord with virtually everyone who has to pay taxes on their hard-earned wages. 

Primary Sidebar

Tax Problems?





Categories

  • Business Taxes
  • Celebrities
  • Entertainment
  • FAQ
  • Filing Taxes
  • How To
  • Installment Agreements
  • Payment Plans
  • State Taxes
  • Tax Audit
  • Tax Credits & Deductions
  • Tax Filing Extension
  • Tax Help
  • Tax Law Changes
  • Tax Levy
  • Tax Lien
  • Tax News
  • Tax Opinion
  • Tax Settlements
  • Tax Tips

SUCCESS STORIES

  • "I was in a tough situation. I didn’t have much money and I couldn’t pay my tax balance.  I was able to pay off my taxes over time with an agreement. Thanks again!"
    ~ Brian J., Orange, CA

  • "Thank you so much for your diligence in taking care of our situation. You were always available when we needed to ask questions, and you should be proud of your professional handling of our case!"
    ~ Mr. Wilson, Taylor, TX

  • "I had used another company previously, and I had concerns initially but you guys put me in good hands and in no time flat. This is such a weight off of my shoulders."
    ~ Mr. Szramiak, Philadelphia, PA

  • "My back taxes had been haunting me for years & the bank levy happened so quickly; I’m glad I had I requested a free consultation. Everyone is astonished they got all my money back so soon. I am eternally grateful!"
    ~ Mr. Mason, Minneapolis, MN

Resolve Your Tax Problems Today!

GET A FREE TAX ANALYSIS

Footer

53 Halloween Blvd.
Stamford, CT 06902
PH: 203-813-7549
Toll Free: 800-928-5035
admin@backtaxeshelp.com
Call for a Free Consultation
800-928-5035

facebooktwitter
Back Taxes Help
  • Resources
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact
  
Back Taxes Help BBB Business Review
Privacy Seal
Security Seal
ASTPS
  

Copyright © 2023 BackTaxesHelp.com


Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with the IRS, any private tax collector, or any state tax agency. The information provided on this website is for general educational or informational purposes only. Nothing on this website should be interpreted as legal or tax advice for any individual or business tax case. Before taxpayers sign up with a tax relief or tax resolution company, they should request a free consultation in order to understand how tax relief services work and the associated costs. The free consultation comes with no obligation to use any product or services. In many cases, a reputable tax resolution firm can provide taxpayers with relief.  

Scroll Up