The Beatles - Taxman (REACTION)

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

Written and sung by George. Killer guitar solo by Paul.

[@davidwilkins5932]

Paul was amazing, and could do just about anything. He played an increasingly large role as band relationships became more volatile.

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

Ringo says in a few videos that Paul was the driving force. That the rest would be chilling on the beach somewhere and Paul would call them into the studio because he had so many ideas. @@davidwilkins5932

[@frederickpando9444]

Thank you for your comment that Paul plays the electric guitar solo on this song. George plays the bass.

[@hammer221271]

​@@frederickpando9444 Paul played the bass too

[@algrap1954]

These guys always think either John or Paul wrote every song. Do the homework.

[@melvinwomack3717]

Harrison is truly the dark horse

[@jmelio1]

and another great song of his 'Dark Horse' 😊

[@melvinwomack3717]

@@jmelio1 yep it definitely is 😏

[@mumbles215]

Harrisong number one. (First real one in my book)

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

Only the Beatles can make a song about taxes sound groovy. They killed this.

[@Michael-Philip]

If you drive a car, I'll tax the street. If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat. If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat. If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.

[@shanelawson5072]

I like the harmony repeats... If you drive a car, caaar If you try to sit, siiit If you get to cold, cooold If you take a walk, waaalk.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Facts man!

[@HoneyBunny-69]

IRONICALLY, that's exactly what the government is doing NOW. Taxing everyone for everything!! Pretty soon they'll tax us just for breathing!!

[@johnhoerl7326]

Ringo’s drumming is impeccable. As always. Great use of the toms, a few killer snare fills, perfectly timed cymbals. Such a great drummer

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Agreed John❗ Ringo was a great drummer. He does these innovative beats that no one else did. Looking relaxed and cool at the same time.😊

[@songs481]

He is not as technical as other drummers but he is one of the top song drummers ever and has some of the most original parts I have ever heard from a drummer

[@betsyab121]

Don't forget the COWBELL! Gotta have more cowbell...!

[@DC-ih8bv]

They are on another planet especially from this time on. There are great bands …then there are The Beatles.

[@werewolvesofsanger4649]

Revolver is probably my favorite Beatles album. Rubber Soul is a close second.

[@JJ8KK]

Definitely. I think their absolute peak period started around the Hard Day's Night album & on through Revolver. They still did some decent stuff after that, but during their peak, they were delightful & innovative...

[@tricko8000]

That's my exact same top 2 lol Excellent taste 😁

[@frederickpando9444]

A Hard Day's Night is my favorite followed by Revolver and Rubber Soul.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

Wofly! Totally agree...although I invert them haha! They were cookin' during this period huh..!?? Great handle by the way!!

[@TBonzzz]

Yes! 🙌🏼 👍🏼

[@michaelgray4964]

The "one for you, 19 for me" and the "should five percent appear too small" were accurate. The Beatles were in the 95% tax bracket in England at that time. That was part of why the Stones fled to France when they were recording "Exile on Main St.".

[@wayL0ck]

Here's what George Harrison said about Paul's guitar solo on this song: "I was pleased to have Paul play that bit on Taxman," Harrison said in 1987. "If you notice, he did like a little Indian bit on it for me."

[@bobbyhulll8737]

As Paul was talented enough to do .. amazing really

[@TheBilliondollarbaby]

Aww dear sweet George

[@joannparker1977]

Man, George Harrison finally busted out of the gate. I love his voice.

[@tonyherrera2570]

Yup, that’s George on lead vocal. He wrote the song in protest of the high taxes in England at the time… 29.7% at that time 😮….

[@seanswindler3325]

Written by George, though John came up with the "declare the pennies on your eyes" line. Paul plays guitar solo. This was recorded before Batman premiered.

[@tmwsiy7158]

First album in rock history to individually mic every drum. Changed modern rock production forever.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

George finally gets some shine, OPENING a Beatles album with a classic track--for a spiritual guy, George write many songs about being annoyed. :) George was salty about England's 95% tax rate on his income--the Beatles all emigrated to the US to avoid it. And yeah, I'm sure George listened to James Brown. All the Beatles were big soul/R&B fans, and covered many songs on their early albums. For example, Paul's Long Tall Sally is excellent. I'm so glad to see you guys reviewing earlier Beatles albums, when they were in their prime, rather than The Beatles (White Album), when they were falling apart. I recommend the experimental albums--in chronological order, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's, Magical Mystery Tour. IMO this is peak psychedelic, experimental, cooperating Beatles. Thanks for all you do.

[@nickcolletta9140]

The last line in this song “And you’re working for no one but me” hit me hard every Friday when I got my paycheck.

[@gavinschwier8242]

Early Beatles shows their Motown love and influences

[@Scarlet3241]

This song was written and sung by George Harrison with lead guitar by Paul McCartney. Paul said that he was channeling James Jamison when he came up with the baseline. GH based the song on the television version of Batman that was released earlier that year.

[@Wordsmyth8]

Fascinating! Thanks for the info.

[@neilmartin99]

The Beatles watched Batman! That is hilarious.

[@johnsilva9139]

Was wondering which came first. Somehow I thought this song came out before Batman premiered on TV.@@neilmartin99

[@howardjones7370]

Bassline

[@DavidGigg]

That's wrong about basing the song on the Batman Theme. Taxman was recorded in April 1966, Batman did not Premier in the UK until May 1966

[@FireMunki63]

Its George, the secret weapon of the Beatles!

[@JimiBurleigh]

Just a note to point out that the Mr. Wilson and Mr. Heath mentioned in the song are former British MPs. Edward Heath (Tory) and Harold Wilson (Labour) would also go on to serve as PM in the 1970s.

[@beatlebrian4404]

Harold Wilson, was Prime Minister in 1966, Edward Heath 1970

[@MrThumbs63]

@@beatlebrian4404 Wilson was PM from 64-70 and 74-76.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

I read that those lines were Lennon contributions

[@beatlebrian4404]

@@MrThumbs63 yes I know that! George's song was from 1966 that's why he said Wilson first (PM) and Heath second ( leader of the opposition)

[@martinmorris5997]

I believe tax on the rich was at around 95% of all they made. Hence most people with money left the country, and so the tax burden was put on everyone else.

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

The Beatles were just soooooooooooooooooooo good ............some of us are still old enough to remember some of the drivel that was on the radio ......and then came the Fab 4

[@ivansavoie3190]

Written and sung by my favourite Beatle George Harrison, great reaction

[@Linda-y9h]

Beatles will be listened to forever. ❤😊

[@stevedahlberg8680]

I had forgotten how great the mixing is on this track. And all of those parts are just fantastic. Paul is absolutely killing it on that bass guitar line.

[@paullacroix527]

Great George Harrison song. He has a bunch. Harmonies are always special. Great reaction guys...

[@stevedotwood]

Absolutely, that's crazy, I didn't realize the Batman/Taxman comparison

[@owenhershey13]

The Beatles' songs were just so clean ...great instrumentation, beautiful harmonies; four great musicians in tune. Great stuff guys

[@chaoticneutral3487]

The first Beatles album I bought with my own $ as a kid and a sentimental favorite.

[@olly8]

Same-first album- Only I begged my mom to buy it for me. ❤

[@elisaabolafia9542]

I haven't heard this song in a long time, but definitely loved it when the album first hit. Now I'm hearing a GUITAR sound I never noticed before. As a former Radio DJ of REGGAE MUSIC, that guitar is doing what the Jamaican guitarists called SKANKING. That steady splash down on all the strings. Very cool. Bravo once again to the BEATLES 🎵❣️

[@westfale520]

This song is from 1966, composed in 1965, the Batman TV series also appeared in 1966. So it will always remain a mystery who was inspired by whom :-)

[@brianfisher6165]

The Beatles were cranking out GOLD, just not seeing much of it!!!👌👌👍👍✌✌😁😁

[@MsAppassionata]

😂😂😂😂

[@JJ8KK]

IMO Paul McCartney was the superstar musician on this song written by & sung by George. He not only did that dominant bass line throughout, he also played that blistering lead guitar solo that they used. To my ears, Paul used to do some of his best bass work and vocal harmonies on George's & John's songs during this period. (ex: *If I Needed Someone,* George & *And Your Bird Can Sing* & *Rain* & *Hey Bulldog,* John)

[@79BlackRose]

Actually George Harrison was a monster! Top tier track!

[@John_Chu]

McCartney with the guitar solo.

[@wayL0ck]

Is this the solo that kind of sounds like a sitar? I know he did one like that for one of George's songs. I believe George wrote this song. High tax rates caused many famous British musicians to leave the country, as "tax exiles".

[@beatlebrian4404]

​@@wayL0ckbut not the Beatles!

[@lovman]

I learned something, assumed it was George.

[@andrewweeks448]

i saw him play that casino twice! in person!

[@feminist5641]

This song has a super dope beat. Another of their songs with an awesome beat is Baby you're a rich man off Magical Mystery Tour

[@tombradley7796]

George showed out on this one, Paul too, that solo is incredible!.

[@WorldSpectator705]

The "here's one for you, 19 for me" was no joke. At the time in England, they were in a tax bracket where literally, they were being taxed at that rate. And as others have pointed out, no, it's not John singing or writing the song, this is a song by George.

[@paxonearth]

Man, I love this song. Virtually flawless. Paul is a monster on bass. Thanks to the other commenters for letting me know that Paul played the guitar solo. I had always assumed it was George. I can't wait to hear/watch your reactions to the other songs on this great album!

[@docsavage8640]

I've been listening to this LP for decades and every time I hear some new little detail and it always sound brand new.

[@MsAppassionata]

Ahh! The magic that was/is The Beatles. Same thing happens to me when I listen. 😊

[@dead_beat_poet]

As hip hop producers, I can't wait for the "Tomorrow never knows" reaction

[@JR-xk1rd]

More cowbell lol. It's there but need mooooreeee

[@nyifnbr18]

Bass line is insane.

[@Ken_Dodds_Tickling_Stick]

George wrote this song because at the height of The Beatles touring years, they were paying 95 pence of every pound they made was paid to the Taxman. So the line 'theres 1 for you, 19 for me" relates to the old £1....which comprised of 20 shillings....1 shilling was 5 new pence...and this is what they would have liked, but unfortunately was the opposite way around.

[@bookman7409]

True, the UK had a tax policy to "make the rich pay their fair share", but that didn't really apply to the established wealthy class, only those who had a lot of success in a short period of time, like the Beatles. They eventually found workarounds, but the gov't taking 95% of what you earned in the name of fairness never feels fair at all. I'm not certain, but I believe this ruinous tax structure is also what forced Tolkien to sell off the non-book rights to the Hobbit and LOTR, since he got caught in a ruinous position over taxes. Way to reward world-altering talent, UK, making sure that don't actually get RICH rich, like the landed gentry's the best and fairest possible thing to happen to you. And if you buy that, I have a bridge I'd like to talk to you about...

[@fidge54]

George was an underrated songwriter and talent, by Paul (especially), John and everybody else. Several songs the duo rejected for Beatles albums ended up on George's great All Things Must Pass album

[@jdbroders64]

As a huge Beatles fan, you're dipping into a very deep well. My favorite albums of theirs in no particular order began with Rubber Soul then Revolver, Sgt Pepper's, The White Album (not a big fan of Yellow Submarine), Abbey Road and finally Let it Be. They IMHO were peaking at the height of their creative and musical powers and pushing boundaries. Don't get me wrong. I love their earlier pop albums. They were great for what they were as very young super talented musicians. With that said, beginning with Rubber Soul there was a huge change in their musical journey, a maturity and experimentation that only comes with experience and living life which of course they did. Great stuff.

[@dominiciocca2842]

My favorite Beatles album

[@julie5310]

Trivia: The album cover artwork is by Klaus Voorman, the laid-back bass player in Lennon's solo " How Do You Sleep?" you reacted to a couple of weeks ago.

[@MsAppassionata]

And a personal friend of theirs from their Hamburg days.

[@TerryKrysinski]

You're doing the entire album? Awesome!! Can't wait to follow along,guys! And..Yup--this is George. Rock on..T

[@Torrentialdownpurr]

So funky while also protesting the tax man! They knew how to do it back then man!

[@teej-h7w]

John always got the kudos . . .Paul and John were a great duo (Paul was the rock), and george brought the universe to the show.

[@brianvernon249]

Thanks mom for having this on vinyl so my fisher-price record player could teach me @ age 4

[@robertdawson8522]

Probably the first"DIS"song in music history.Those are British politicians they're calling out

[@charlesshepherd2004]

Nice. Never thought it about that way.

[@MsAppassionata]

Nope. Dylan did it before them with “Like A Rolling Stone”, though nobody was specifically mentioned in that one. I’m sure that there were probably plenty of dis songs before either of those two, though.

[@robertgosselin14]

I thought it was Lennon also singing Chuck Berry’s “Roll over Beethoven” cover & “Do you want to know a secret” (written by Lennon) in their early albums. It was Harrison all along. When he was in fine form, Harrison could hold his own vocally, never in Lennon’s or McCartney’s range but, he was a good singer non the less. Great as a background vocalist during the group’s tenure. Excellent video once again guys. Really like your work. 👍 from 🇨🇦

[@philf4086]

Fun fact - Paul also played the guitar solo, with George's encouragement!

[@janetf23]

"Here, There and Everywhere" was 'Our Song' from this album, and still evokes the fondest memories of dancing in the dark with my husband after 50+ years✨

[@wendyt7958]

That's George...The quiet Beatle...He was developing and rising up

[@patricksheridan1533]

George wrote it and sang it. What a talented bunch of guys!

[@mattleppard1970]

Perhaps the best Beatles album. Actually no: they’re all the best albums ever. My parents had the LP and the album cover has pencil drawings of the Beatles’ faces… but with real photos for eyes. Fascinated me from birth, 54 years ago. It’s still a source of much musical joy. ❤

[@wayL0ck]

This is great! I'm so glad you are checking out Revolver. It's one of the first albums I ever owned as a kid. I got it as a hand-me-down from an Aunt who was four years older than me. I played that thing to death on my little mono record player. The Beatles were like gods or royalty to a kid in the '60s.

[@elkbomb]

the 60's Batman theme and James Brown references are well incorporated. also the message is dope.

[@mortimerbustos4487]

I am a Beatles nutswinger and this is my favorite album.

[@darrenmaxwell1085]

I hear this album and I don’t hear 1966. It just seems so much more fresh! Great reaction La & Chi!

[@thomasjacques5286]

The tax rate in the UK at the time was 95% hence the line "one for you, nineteen for me". Aka "tax the RICH". And this is a George Harrison song.

[@ericv181]

In(effin)sane! 95%, f**kin crooks

[@johnnydev9318]

Yes, but it would have been the MARGINAL tax rate, payable on the portion of one's income which exceeded a threshold amount. Nobody paid 95 percent of their whole income

[@thomasjacques5286]

@@johnnydev9318 I’m sure George knew this but wasn’t happy with his situation.

[@craigreid7178]

This is one of favorite Beatles songs ever.

[@whoneedssantawhenthereisgr1724]

The Beatles are great ! Love all of their songs .I was fortunate to see Paul and Wings perform in the 90’s at the Staple Center in Los Angeles,California. That was the dream of a lifetime I will never forget it.

[@babylonsister118]

Great album! I got it for Christmas when I was 9 years old! Thanks!

[@thenomadicpen]

There is a sick mashup out there with Batman and Taxman called, "To The Taxmobile" by Lenlow. It's pretty great.

[@neilmartin99]

I believe this was written in response to the Beatles paying 90% income tax in England. You guys connecting the song, Taxman, with the old Batman TV show made me LOL. 😂

[@rpminc1974]

Good point, I have heard this song for over 50 years and never thought about the "Batman riff " being in it !!

[@waynemoon5359]

Thanks guys. Everything jumps out at you on this song but the backing harmonies are a real highlight for me. Coming up on this album is a song that Paul wrote called "Here, There, and Everywhere. John is quoted as saying it is his favorite song on the album.

[@loupi4bama]

Everybody here covered their musical and lyrical greatness, but imo they were all time travelers.

[@ML-un1oi]

Perfect time of the year for this song. Excellent reaction fellas!

[@futuregenerationz]

The batman reference ...ok. You're probably right. But the James Brown connection, was really insightful! Yep. You nailed it.

[@mamared56]

Great song! Written and sung by George Harrison.

[@whogrl]

Fabulous George! My favorite Beatle.❤

[@dbradx]

Killer track off my favourite Beatles album, talk about firing up my work day. This one was written by George Harrison, after he got to feeling pretty outraged at his tax bill - really shows his strength as a songwriter. Great choice you guys, and great reaction as always - peace and love from Canada ☮

[@danmayberry1185]

Best album, and massive here in Canada.Struggled at first in some US markets because of Eleanor Rigby's church and priest references following John's "more popular than Jesus" comment.

[@WorldSpectator705]

Check out the killer bass part at about 1:15 on the lyric "If you drive a car". Rapid fire genius, just a killer bass riff IMO!

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

Ringo's really on fire no this one... and this a song written and sung by George

[@NVprods]

The first time The Beatles started an album with a George Harrison song. Paul McCartney on bass and also did the blistering guitar solo.

[@timgrady4630]

Banger . Top Tier .

[@benhinds2971]

This is why the Stones "Exiled" to France to make that album. Batmaaaannnn!!!

[@beholdmessiah6526]

Awesome song, glad you dug it men.

[@Reddogg57-w5k]

Aloha gentleman, I have a black t shirt with the Revolver album in pristine condition. Oh yah. Great album. George got to shine on this album. Check out his album All things must past. He had the 1st number 1 song at least 8 months before John and Paul

[@BabbleBebble]

I've always thought George Harrison used Batman line and notes to make the taxman more sarcastic, to make him a' bad super hero'

[@clintonsmith5163]

Interesting. Kind of like what Weird Al Yankovic used to do with popular songs.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Now you're getting into the mature Beatles, my favorite period: Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, The White Album, Abbey Road. GREAT stuff.

[@thejmf]

This has been one of my favorite Beatles song and was my favorite for many years. And yet, I never made the Batman connection! Dead on! One thing you will find with George's songs is that all of them are top Beatles songs. He had to fight to get his material through John and Paul but when he did it was a guaranteed all-timer.

[@MsAppassionata]

I never made that connection either, so don’t feel bad. I can hear it now, since other people have mentioned it, but not back in the day.

[@mikemicrael5749]

Revolver is my favorite Beatles album. :)

[@79BlackRose]

Mine too.

[@jeremiahallender1919]

Y’all doing it today,reaching for that top shelf…band of gypsys and the Beatles 🫡..two of the emulated ones🎸🌏👀

[@digger65uk]

Love it. More Beatles and solo Beatles please. Can you play… Lucy in the sky with diamonds remix by the Beatles I see you baby by Groove Armada (Si Si) Je Suis un rockstar by Bill Wyman The crunch by The Rah Band Big Spender, by Shirley Bassey Michael Angelo by Emmylou Harris Dancing fool by Frank Zappa Love missile F1 11 by Sigue Sigue sputnik Shoes, by Tiga leaving on a Jet plane by Peter, Paul and Mary The sea of love by The Honey Drippers (Robert Plant) Without her by Harry Nilsson Circles by Paul Desmond Tabletop Joe, by Tom Waits Joker man, by Bob Dylan Space woman by Hermans rockets Chicken payback by the Bees A change is gonna come by Otis Redding Put a little love in your heart by Jackie DeShannon The impossible dream by Andy Williams Ali baba by John Holt Mr ghost goes to town by John Buzin Trio Boombastic by Shaggy Start eyes (I can’t catch it) featuring David Lynch by danger mouse, Sparklehorse Shattered by The Rolling Stones Downbound Train by Chuck Berry

[@jimwillride]

❤❤❤ Maybe best Beatles song, along with a few others of course.... Always lands the punch. Thanks for a great channel!

[@mikecreger9702]

The dvd version from the concert in central park is UNREAL. 750,000 of your closest friends dancing their butts off!

[@BubblesJrJr]

You guys peeled it wholly 2:12 onward. Great observations 🔥☕️🔥

[@jcoop23]

Yes! The first Beatles album I ever bought and still my favorite. Can’t wait for your reactions to the other songs. Such diversity and excellence. Even Ringo sings one.

[@stillstanding8286]

The “Batman” tv show (and it’s theme song) first aired in January of 1966. The Beatles recorded “Revolver” between April-June of 1966 and released it in August of that year. So, maybe George heard the theme song somewhere, or maybe it’s just a “coincidence” like his solo song “My Sweet Lord” was later on. Some people think that both songs were influenced by Junior Walker’s “Shotgun” released in 1965. So, who knows?

[@JamieBuckingham369]

About: Batman The show first aired in Jan 17. '66 in America, then in England May 17, 1966. Taxman was written in mid-April, so unless Harrison or one of The Beatles seen the America feed between those few weeks, then it is coincidental. Understand in the '60 there wasn't cross-over viewing of American to England TV networks. And in 1966, less than half of Americans and Brits even had a TV, so the theme song didn't get around. And keep in mind the show became more popular in re-runs through eh 70's and 80's then it did when it was airing. However, The Beatles did have TV's but the chances of them seeing America television is less then 1%. Keep in Mind Harrison was on his honeymoon from late Jan - to Feb, and the other Beatles had a full schedules planned in those days of interviews, appearances, plus they had to write songs for the next coming album (Revolver) before they headed out on tour in late May to Germany, Japan, and the Philippians. They didn't have time to sit and watch TV, which wasn't a popular thing to do to begin with in the 60's.

[@beatlebrian4404]

​@@JamieBuckingham369all good points, you certainly know your Beatles history!

[@micv5149]

@@JamieBuckingham369I always have considered it a coincidence, and your great detail cements it.

[@timkeough2695]

by this point in time George was coming into his own as a songwriter so for him to tap into a bit catchy but somewhat cheesy television shows theme song is absurd...possibly the greatest album ever's opening track being influenced by the Batman theme is too silly

[@JamieBuckingham369]

@@micv5149 yes sir, glad to add insight

[@blanewilliams5960]

This is a favorite Beatles album for me! This is George's song and he is the one singing it, to be fair him and John do sound similar. George usually has 2 or 3 songs on an album that he wrote and sings lead vocal, it's not always John or Paul. Thanks guys and btw I'm waiting for the rest of "Tommy"

[@MsAppassionata]

Not to me, they don’t.

[@8DecadesLife]

George wrote this after they'd been taxed in the US & the UK from a concert tour. I remember reading that after taxes & they only got like 10-15% of profits themselves.

[@thomasdreher8221]

James Brown and Reggae (esp Ska) were big in England when they were young and were significant influences. By the way, though it sounds like John's writing, this song is written and sung by George. I think Paul did the guitar solo. The were such a multi layered, developed and tight band. All those years and shoes in Hamburg made them special

[@freethinker--]

Great bass

[@WIRCinc]

Top teir track from them boys

[@JohnRawlings-o1g]

"BAT MANNNN!" Great observations guys.

[@johnciminelli7299]

Gentlemen, Sting” 7dsys “ is very intriguing, have a listen! I do enjoy watching your reactions and relating “ that’s how I felt when I first heard that song “your insights from your music expediences add to my appreciation of your reviews.

[@MicheleJane]

George wrote and sung this. Excellent album. Know it by heart playing it over again way back when it came out. A favorite album.