I saw a reference to Taxman by Cheap Trick, but they missed the most obvious (Conservative) song of the past 40 years. Since I was obviously wrong here, I’ll make the argument that it should have been #1 instead of #2. Thanks to Mitch for catching my error:
Taxman, by the Beatles
Let me tell you how it will be,
There?s one for you, nineteen for me,
?Cos I?m the Taxman,
Yeah, I?m the Taxman.
Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don?t take it all,
?Cos I?m the Taxman,
Yeah, I?m the Taxman.
If you drive a car, I?ll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I?ll tax your seat,
If you get too cold, I?ll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I?ll tax your feet.
Taxman.
?Cos I?m the Taxman,
Yeah, I?m the Taxman.
Don?t ask me what I want it for
(Taxman Mister Wilson)
If you don?t want to pay some more
(Taxman Mister Heath),
?Cos I?m the Taxman,
Yeah, I?m the Taxman.
Now my advice for those who die,
Declare the pennies on your eyes,
?Cos I?m the Taxman,
Yeah, I?m the Taxman.
And you?re working for no-one but me,
Taxman.