Taxman
Stevie Ray Vaughan Lyrics

Let me tell you how it will be
The singer is going to explain how taxes work.

There's one for you, nineteen for me
The singer takes a large portion of every dollar earned.

'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
The singer is the person responsible for collecting and distributing taxes.

Should five per cent appear too small
If the amount of taxes collected seems small to the taxpayer.

Be thankful I don't take it all
The artist could take more taxes, but chooses not to.

'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman
The singer is reminding the listener that he is the authority on taxes.

If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
Taxes are collected on everything, even the use of public roads.

If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
Taxes are collected on every form of public seating.

If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
Heating and other energy sources are taxed as well.

If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.
Even walking on public property is taxed.

Don't ask me what I want it for
The singer doesn't have to justify how tax money is spent.

If you don't want to pay some more
Failure to pay taxes results in additional fees and penalties.

'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
The singer is reminding the listener who the ultimate authority on taxes is.

Now my advice for those who die
Even after death, taxes must be paid.

Declare the pennies on your eyes
All assets, no matter how small, must be reported for taxes.

'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
The artist concludes the song with a final reminder that he controls the taxes.

And you're working for no one but me.
The government collects taxes, which essentially means every citizen is working for the government.