Double Suckage: Not Only Is It Monday, It’s Tax Day!

Benjamin Franklin said there are only two certainties in life: Death and taxes. That's probably why we're taxed to death. I take to my blog to bitch about this stuff. Musicians pick up their guitars and play. Here are the Top Ten Tracks About the Taxman. 

From Spinner:

10. The Who "Success Story" (1975) - John Entwhistle wrote this song about the high tax rate for those who earned more than 1.1 million pounds, saying, "I've gotta play some one-night stands/Six for the tax man and one for the band."

9. The Kinks "Sunny Afternoon" (1966) - "The taxman's taken all my dough." This was a tongue in cheek little groove and Ray Davies proves it with lines like "I can't sail my yacht; He's taken everything I've got"

8. Johnny Paycheck "Me and the IRS" (1978) - Building off the momentum of "Take This Job And Shove It", a year later, this track takes up the working man's plight, this time telling the IRS to take their 1040 forms and shove 'em. In a twist of irony, Paycheck filed for bankruptcy in 1990 due to tax issues.

7. Billy Bragg "Ideology" (1986) - Bragg sang about people paying taxes expecting certain things like school books, hospital beds and peace, but those in power use taxes to help only themselves. Putting his money where his mouth is, Bragg refused to pay his taxes in 2010.

6. CCR "Fortunate Son" (1969) - This ditty was an anti-war song written about the fortunate few who didn't have to fight in Vietnam because they were born into wealth and a life of luxury, but pretend to not have any money when the tax man comes knocking.

5. Robert Cray "1040 Blues" (1994) - This one was released just prior to the tax deadlines and is plain and simple. "I hate taxes". Cray said the idea came when he was trying to get his paper work together to file.

4. Marvin Gaye "Inner City Blues" (1971) - Gaye sings about crime and poverty saying, "Bad breaks, set backs/Natural fact is, I can't pay my taxes."

3. Willie Nelson "Tired" (2004) - This one is about a factory worker just trying to get by saying what he earns goes to taxes, but his bills are always paid on time. Not so for Willie. He was slapped with a $32 million dollar tax bill in 1990.

2. Cheap Trick "Taxman, Mr. Thief" (1977) - Another blatant message. You work hard, bust your ass, pay your taxes. The IRS hates you but loves your money.

1. Beatles "Taxman" (1966) - Of course! There's one for you, 19 for me. Should five percent appear too small/be thankful I don't take it all. I'm sure George Harrison (who wrote this one) was grateful the tax man didn't take it all. When he passed away, his estate was valued at more than $200 million dollars.

If you haven't filed your taxes yet, lucky you! Not only do you have to deal with the IRS, you also have to go to the Post Office. Why not try for the hat trick and visit the DMV just for fun? Happy Tax Day!

Speaking of the Beatles; here's the Beatles "Taxman" cartoon from 1967.