Recording & Mixing: And Your Bird Can Sing / Taxman

Wednesday 20 April 1966 | Revolver, Studio

On 20 April 1966, The Beatles undertook a lengthy 12-hour recording session at EMI Studios, Abbey Road, working in Studio Two on material for their forthcoming album Revolver. Although productive, the versions recorded during this session were ultimately abandoned and later re-recorded.

The session ran from 2.30pm until approximately 2.30am the following morning under the production of George Martin, with engineering by Geoff Emerick. Two key tracks were attempted: John Lennon's And Your Bird Can Sing and George Harrison's Taxman.

Work began with And Your Bird Can Sing, for which The Beatles recorded two takes of the backing track. The arrangement featured a distinctive jangling 12-string guitar part inspired by The Byrds, played by George Harrison, alongside electric guitar from John Lennon and drums from Ringo Starr.

Overdubs were added across multiple tracks, including Lennon's lead vocal, McCartney's bass guitar, tambourine from Starr, harmonies from McCartney and Harrison, and additional vocal layers. The final section of the recording session descended into improvisation, including laughter and whistling.

Despite the extensive work, the song was later re-recorded on 26 April 1966, with this version eventually issued on Anthology 2.

The Beatles then moved on to George Harrison's Taxman, recording four takes of the song, including two complete versions. However, like the earlier track, this session's recordings were ultimately set aside in favour of a later remake.

The day concluded with the creation of five mono mixes of And Your Bird Can Sing, all derived from take two.

🎛️ Session Details

• Date: 20 April 1966
• Studio: EMI Studios, Abbey Road (Studio Two)
• Album: Revolver
• Producer: George Martin
• Engineer: Geoff Emerick
• Session length: ~12 hours (2.30pm – 2.30am)

🎸 Songs Worked On

• And Your Bird Can Sing (Lennon)
• Taxman (Harrison)

Location Map

FAQ

Were these final album versions?

No. Both songs were re-recorded later in April 1966, and the versions from this session were not used on Revolver.

Why were the recordings abandoned?

The band and George Martin opted for later takes that better captured the desired sound and performance.

What is notable about And Your Bird Can Sing from this session?

It featured layered guitar work, complex vocal overdubs, and an experimental ending with laughter and whistling.

Did The Beatles complete Taxman on this date?

No. Only early takes were recorded; the final album version came from later sessions.

More from 20 April in Beatles History

→ 20 April in Beatles History – Full Timeline

→ Sgt. Pepper Reprise & Only A Northern Song – 20 April 1967

→ The Beatles Filming Help! at Twickenham – 20 April 1965

→ A Hard Day's Night Mixing Session at Abbey Road – 20 April 1964

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