“I’m Down” – The Beatles (1965)
- Composition Credits: Lennon-McCartney
- Recording Date: 14 June 1965
- Producer: George Martin
- Recording Engineer: Norman Smith
- Release Dates: 23 July 1965 (UK), 19 July 1965 (US)
- Available on:
- Album: Past Masters
- Compilation: Anthology 2
- Personnel:
- Paul McCartney: Vocals, Bass
- John Lennon: Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Organ
- George Harrison: Backing Vocals, Lead Guitar
- Ringo Starr: Drums, Bongos
About The Song
Background and Inspiration
“Taxman” is a song by the English rock band The Beatles, written by George Harrison. It was released as the opening track on their seventh studio album, Revolver, on August 5, 1966, in the United Kingdom and three days later in the United States. The song’s title and subject matter were partly inspired by the high levels of progressive tax imposed in the United Kingdom by the Labour government of Harold Wilson, which saw The Beatles paying over 90% of their earnings to the Treasury.
Harrison wrote “Taxman” at a time when The Beatles were discovering they were in a financially precarious position. In April 1966, a report from the London accountancy firm Bryce, Hammer, Isherwood & Co. revealed that the band was paying over 90% of their earnings to the Treasury. This led to Harrison feeling frustrated and resentful, which he expressed through the song’s lyrics.
Composition and Structure
“Taxman” is a rock and roll song with a catchy melody and a driving beat. The song’s lyrics are full of sarcasm and bitterness, and they criticize the government for its high taxes. Harrison’s vocals are passionate and powerful, and they convey the anger and frustration that he felt at the time.
The song’s instrumentation is also notable, as it features a prominent Indian sitar played by Harrison himself. The sitar’s sound adds an exotic element to the song and helps to create a sense of atmosphere. The song’s structure is also unconventional, as it features two different vocal melodies and a bridge that is sung in a different time signature.
Themes and Analysis
“Taxman” is a song about the frustrations of paying taxes. However, it is also a song about the power of money and the impact that it can have on people’s lives. The song’s lyrics suggest that Harrison felt that he was being unfairly treated by the government, and that his hard work was not being rewarded.
The song can also be seen as a commentary on the changing times in the 1960s. As The Beatles became increasingly successful, they found themselves in the public eye and subject to scrutiny. “Taxman” can be seen as a reaction to this scrutiny, and to the pressures that Harrison was feeling as a result of his fame and fortune.
Reception and Legacy
“Taxman” was not a commercial success upon its release. It reached number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 49 on the UK Singles Chart. However, the song has since been recognized as one of The Beatles’ most important songs. It is a powerful and timely anthem that speaks to the universal issue of taxation.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Who, Cheap Trick, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. It has also been featured in a number of films and television shows. “Taxman” is considered to be one of George Harrison’s best songs. It is a classic example of the rock and roll song, and it continues to be popular today. The song has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fun Facts
- The song’s distinctive opening riff was played by George Harrison on a Rickenbacker 12-string electric guitar.
- The song’s music video was directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and features The Beatles performing the song in a field.
- “Taxman” is one of the most requested songs at karaoke bars.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.