Junior Parker was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi as Herman Parker, Jr. He played on the various blues circuits beginning in his teenage years, playing with artists like Sonny Boy Williamson (his mentor) and Howlin' Wolf. Parker was discovered by Ike Turner in 1952, who signed him to Modern Records. He put out one single on this record label, "You're My Angel."
He and his band, The Blue Flames, signed onto Sun Records in 1953, and produced three successful songs: "Feelin' Good", "Love My Baby," and "Mystery Train" (later covered by Elvis Presley).
Parker had periodic success over the next decade: Remakes of Roosevelt Sykes' songs, "Driving Wheel" and "Sweet Home Chicago"; Guitar Slim's The Things That I Used to Do; Don Robey's "Mother-in-Law Blues"; and his own "Stand by Me." His success was limited after he left the employment of his label in the late 1960s. He died of a brain tumor in 1971.
Taxman
Junior Parker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's one for you and nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yes, I'm the taxman
(That man is rough; now dig this)
Should five per cent appear too small
Just be thankful I don't take it all
(Taxman is something else, isn't he?)
(Now dig this)
If you drive a truck, I'll tax the street
If you try to fix it, I'll tax your seat
If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat
If you take a walk (now this is awful). I'll tax your feet
'Cause I'm the taxman
This is awful
Now don't ask me what it's for
If you don't wanna pay, pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yes, I'm the taxman
(Now dig this)
Now my advice for those who die
(This is awful)
Beware of the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yes, I'm the taxman
And you're working for me and no one but me
The taxman is rough
He come and get you any time he wanna
Do you believe he come and get your old lady?
That taxman is a blip
Lyrics found here
The Junior Parker song "Taxman" is an insightful commentary on the role of the government in taxation, and the consequences that come with it. The song starts off by letting the listener know that the taxman is in charge, and will take a large chunk of their earnings (with the line "There's one for you and nineteen for me"). Parker then goes on to warn the listener that they should be grateful that the taxman doesn't take all their money, and that he has the power to tax virtually everything in their life - from their truck and their seat to their feet.
The lyrics use satire and humor to highlight the excessive power of the taxman. Parker is highlighting the unfairness of a system where the government takes such a large portion of their income, while simultaneously undermining the citizens' freedom to live their own lives. The song shows a deep understanding of how taxes can shape societal structures and the impact they have on the people. The advice given to "beware of pennies on your eyes" at the end of the song implies that even in death, the government will find a way to tax you - underscoring the control that the taxman holds over every aspect of citizens' lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me tell you how it will be
I'm in charge here, and I'll tell you how things work.
There's one for you and nineteen for me
You get a very small portion of your income, and I get the lion's share.
'Cause I'm the taxman, yes, I'm the taxman
I'm the one who makes the rules and enforces them.
Should five per cent appear too small
If you think the percentage you're paying is low...
Just be thankful I don't take it all
...just be glad I'm not taking even more of your money.
'Cause I'm the taxman, yes, I'm the taxman
I'm always going to take as much as I can get away with.
If you drive a truck, I'll tax the street
I'm going to tax everything I possibly can, even something as basic as using the street.
If you try to fix it, I'll tax your seat
If you try to improve your situation, I'll still find a way to make you pay.
If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat
I'll even tax things you have no control over, like the temperature inside your home.
If you take a walk (now this is awful). I'll tax your feet
I'm going to tax every single thing you do, including walking down the street.
'Cause I'm the taxman
I'm in charge, and I'll tax whatever I want.
Now don't ask me what it's for
Don't expect me to explain why or how I'm taxing you.
If you don't wanna pay, pay some more
If you resist, I'll only make you pay more in the end.
'Cause I'm the taxman, yes, I'm the taxman
I rule, and you just have to keep paying up.
Now my advice for those who die
Even when you die, I'll still make money off of you.
Beware of the pennies on your eyes
I'll find a way to tax you even after you're dead, so beware.
'Cause I'm the taxman, yes, I'm the taxman
I'm never going to stop taking your money.
And you're working for me and no one but me
No matter how much you work, ultimately you're working for me, and me alone.
The taxman is rough
The taxman is tough and unforgiving.
He come and get you any time he wanna
The taxman can come and audit you at any time he wants, taking even more of your money.
Do you believe he come and get your old lady?
I'll even take your loved ones from you, if I can tax them too.
That taxman is a blip
The taxman is not to be underestimated or taken lightly.
Contributed by Carter G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@094340
To you nitwits saying this is the "best" version of this song...get freaking real wouldya?
It's a really good soulful interpretation of a great rock song, but it's far from being better than the original. First off, there are no cover songs without originals, and it insults the intelligence when people proclaim a cover better than an original...utter nonsense.
Secondly...while I understand it's a soulful take on a rock song, it can't possibly convey the sound that Harrison (and the Beatles) intended for the tune. The searing and aggressive guitar throughout the song is there for a reason, including McCartney's outstandingly fierce solo in the middle.
The guitars provide the atmosphere that Harrison intended...one of harshness, rigidity and spitefulness that an actual British tax representative might hold.
I could go on but there's no need.
Bottom line...covers can be great and creative, and offer different feels, but they can never be better than an original...NEVER, simply because they only exist BECAUSE OF AN ORIGINAL.
@Hermunkle
Beatles, Junior Parker, Cypress Hill; one hell of a musical journey.
@robertneeley4135
👑🎼This is my uncle The Great Herman Parker!! May your soul R.I.Power and May your music and sounds live forever in the ears and minds of those forever. OneLove too you my uncle,because your blood will always be inside my heart 👑🎼
@jayparker3850
Thats my uncle as well family im oscar parkers grand son
@darwinismyneighbor
Do you get down like he does? This cover of Taxman is the JAM!!
@edwardadams8489
Don't ask me what it's for just let me hear some more
@djbigleg3228
@@edwardadams8489 fine band & top vocals...
@edwardadams8489
@@djbigleg3228 good stuff
@RapBox
Yo quiero fumar motaaaaa!
@bga33580
So cool and funky! Feels like Im in New York in the 70s.
@bardavidtaxodysmas2212
summertime '70 all the way funky, groovy and soulful.