Every Beatles Album's Opening Track Ranked From Worst To Best
9. Taxman - Revolver
Hold onto your hats, folks! The Beatles are getting political!
Taxman from 1966’s Revolver is unique in that it’s the only Beatles opener with George Harrison on vocal duties. He wrote the song too, mainly as a jab at the UK government and (according to George) its insanely high tax rate.
To give the man some credit, The Beatles were paying around 90% on their income at this point and were heading for bankruptcy. Harrison also claimed that he opposed the money being spent on weapons, but he probably just wanted a swimming pool.
Taxman is furious in its characterisation of the government as relentless money-grabbers. It's full of sharp (if a little direct) lyrics about taxing the street and declaring pennies on the eyes of the dead.
Hey, this Harrison kid might be alright, you know.
Unfortunately, there are parts of the tune that come across as a bunch of millionaires whining about having to pay their dues. 90% or otherwise, do people really care about The Beatles' tax affairs?
It's a great song nonetheless and it's the only Beatles song to reference Harold Wilson in its lyrics. So, there you go.