"Taxman"
The drums in “Taxman” take on a supportive, complementary role, allowing the bass to carry much of the rhythmic complexity. In the main groove, Ringo avoids the hi-hat, keeping the texture open and uncluttered. The basic framework is a backbeat snare rhythm with the kick drum landing on beats 1 and 3, establishing a standard rock pulse. This straightforward pattern is punctuated by additional kicks on the “a” of 2 and the “and” of 3, aligning closely with the syncopated accents articulated by the bass. These moments of interaction highlight the interplay between bass and drums, which, as we have seen, carries the weight of many Beatles grooves.
During the chord hits on the word “Taxman,” Ringo emphasizes the quarter-note accents with an open hi-hat paired with a kick, adding a bright, percussive emphasis that underscores the lyrics. Measure ten features a measure-long 16th-note snare fill with intermittent rests, creating a syncopated, slightly off-balance texture that heightens tension until it is released to begin the B section. This leads into a more conventional backbeat groove, now with open eighth-note hi-hats, echoing a strategy used in “In My Life,” where the full backbeat is delayed to serve as a musical effect. The drums in “Taxman” demonstrate Ringo’s ability to balance restraint and subtle accentuation, providing support while leaving space for the bass-driven groove to shine through the mix.