Taxman

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some groovy trivia about "Taxman" by The Beatles, spinning right now on THE ZOO! This track, the opener from their 1966 album Revolver, was penned by George Harrison as a sharp-tongued jab at the British tax system, specifically the 95% supertax rate imposed by Harold Wilson’s Labour government. Harrison was livid after realizing the band’s hard-earned millions were mostly going to the government, a sentiment echoed by their accountant Harry Pinsker, who recalled the band’s frustration: “They’d been poor boys, who’d worked hard and made money, and now someone was trying to take it away.” John Lennon chipped in with a few lyrical zingers, including references to Wilson and opposition leader Edward Heath, as confirmed by a post from BeatlemaniaUK on X. The song’s iconic count-in, delivered out of tempo, set a new studio aesthetic for Revolver, and Paul McCartney’s blistering guitar solo—laced with an Indian flair—added a psychedelic edge that Harrison himself loved.

Here’s a wild tidbit for the Zoo Crew to share: some fans speculate that "Taxman"’s driving rhythm was inspired by the 1966 Batman TV show theme, which Harrison adored. The band’s harmonized “Taxman” chant mirrors the show’s catchy “na-na-na-na-na-na-Batman” hook, though music critic Rob Sheffield argues the 1965 Motown hit “Shotgun” by Junior Walker and the All Stars might be the real influence. Another quirky fact? The cough at the song’s start belongs to Ron O’Quinn, a radio DJ from the 1966 Beatles tour, as noted by fans on Songfacts. The song’s lyrics also pack a dark humor punch, with lines like “declare the pennies on your eyes,” referencing an old tradition of placing coins on the dead to keep their eyes closed—a cheeky nod to the taxman’s grip even in death.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Beatles kicked off their legendary journey. Hailing from Liverpool, England, the Fab Four—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—started as a scrappy skiffle group called The Quarrymen in the late 1950s. Lennon and McCartney, both teenagers, bonded over their love for rock ‘n’ roll and began writing songs together. Harrison joined soon after, bringing his guitar chops, while Starr hopped aboard in 1962, replacing drummer Pete Best. Their early gigs in Hamburg’s gritty clubs honed their stage presence, and by 1963, “Beatlemania” exploded with hits like “Please Please Me.” Manager Brian Epstein polished their image, and producer George Martin shaped their sound at Abbey Road Studios, turning them into global icons. Their innovative studio work, especially on albums like Revolver, redefined pop music, blending rock, psychedelia, and social commentary.

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into The Beatles’ world through their official website, packed with music, videos, and history. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where posts like thebeatles’ breakdown of "Taxman"’s remixing process keep the vibe alive. Fan sites like Beatles Bible offer song-by-song insights, while BeatlesFacts.org dishes out trivia galore. Join the Beatles Fans Facebook group to trade stories with fellow freaks, or check out r/beatles on Reddit for lively discussions, like debates over Revolver’s best tracks. Keep rocking with THE ZOO, and let "Taxman" remind you to stick it to the man!