George Harrison was inspired to write the song “Taxman” (Revolver album, 1966). The Beatles were making a ton of money, but because of Britain’s “progressive” income tax, most of their earnings were being taken in taxes. As Harrison said, “‘Taxman’ was when I first realised that even though we had started earning money, we were actually giving most of it away in taxes.”

Harrison’s “Taxman” became a widely disseminated commentary on the confiscatory nature of governments. You can read the lyrics here. Here’s a video version showing Harrison with Eric Clapton singing it.

In the spirit of Harrison’s song, I’m posting the following from an anonymous author. Enjoy it and remember in November.

Tax his land, tax his bed,
Tax the table at which he’s fed.
Tax his tractor, tax his mule,
Teach him taxes are the rule.

Tax his cow, tax his goat,
Tax his pants, tax his coat.
Tax his ties, tax his shirt,
Tax his work, tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco, tax his drink.
Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his cigars, tax his beers,
If he cries, then tax his tears.

Tax his car, tax his gas,
Find other ways to tax his ass.
Tax all he has, then let him know
That you won’t be done ’til he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers,
Tax him some more.
Tax him ’till he’s good and sore.
Then tax his coffin, tax his grave.
Tax the sod in which he’s laid.

Put these words upon his tomb,
“Taxes drove me to my doom.”
When he’s gone, do not relax.
It’s time to apply the inheritance tax.