"Hey Jude," by The Beatles, is one of the most popular songs of all-time. Besides being a milestone in the incredible catalog of the Fab Four, it's a stadium anthem with a catchy tune and beautiful lyrics. It was Number 1 in over 20 different charts, from Australia to Yugoslavia. Strangely enough, though, few people know the real story behind the song.
Have you ever wondered about who is Jude? What does the song mean to the history of The Beatles? Today, we will tell you the full story of "Hey Jude" and answer all of your questions. And take our word for it: whether you're a die-hard Beatles fan or just a passive listener, you'll be touched by this emotional tale.
What Was Going On
The year was 1968. The world's greatest band, The Beatles, was no longer comprised of 4 teenagers from Liverpool. At the time, it was a group of men, in which kindred friendship was starting to give way to a series of internal disputes. At the heart of the band, there was tension between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, The Beatles' main songwriters.
With the "White Album" on its way, "Hey Jude" was released as a 7-inch single and obtained massive popularity. The breakthrough record was an immediate success, even though it featured some unique traits which aren't often associated with hit-songs. For a start, it was over 7 minutes long.
A Musical Achievement
"Hey Jude"'s duration wasn't the only thing that was new about the song. The ballad, initially credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, was the first Beatles song to be recorded using eight-track recording equipment. The eight-track replaced the traditional four-track in the late '60s, allowing musicians to overdub twice as many instruments.
Additionally, "Hey Jude" featured a special extended finale, which included nothing but a series of addictive Na-na-na's. This finale, or coda, was an essential part of what made the song so famous, even today.
The Recording
Even though "Hey Jude" didn't make it into the tracklist of "The White Album," it was recorded during the sessions of the historical 1968 double-album. In the studio, the four Beatles were supervised by their legendary producer, the late George Martin.
The song was finished after 25 takes, with the first two takes being recently released in two special-edition Beatles compilations. Reportedly, the initial version of the tune was meant to feature a leading guitar line by George Harrison, but McCartney refused to accept it.
Apple Records' Very First Song
An immensely popular song, "Hey Jude" was the first commercial release of the then newly-founded Apple Records. Apple was a label created by The Beatles, which still exists today. It released mainly Beatles-related records, but it also included songs by other famous artists, such as Mary Hopkin and Frank Sinatra.
Long before another company called Apple started selling smartphones, Apple Records was meant to be a creative platform for John, Paul, George, and Ringo. They would be able to release non-commercial productions, as well as their main musical output through the platform.
Despite the Credit, It Was All Paul
Despite being credited to both Lennon and McCartney, "Hey Jude" was essentially written by Paul. The two artists often composed songs together, but either John or Paul mainly created many of the tunes credited to the duo.
This explains why there are two kinds of songs associated with the Lennon-McCartney partnership. On the one hand, there are Lennon's raw, politically-inspired, radically arranged themes. On the other hand, there are Paul's audience-ready, sentimental, elegantly crafted tunes. "Hey Jude" fitted Paul's songwriting style like a glove.
John Thought the Song Was About Him
To be fair, there are lots of Lennon/McCartney songs that are either about John or Paul. Especially during the later stage of the band's existence. But this was not the case with "Hey Jude" as we will see later.
Still, John believed that he was the 'Jude' Paul was singing about. He talked about it in a 1980 interview, in which he pointed out the similarities between the names 'Jude' and 'John' and reflected on the lyrics "Go out and get her." In John's view, Paul was unconsciously telling him to leave The Beatles... But who was "her"?
The Controversial Yoko Ono
There's a reason why so many Beatles fans hate Yoko Ono. The avant-garde artist is believed to be the cause of the Fab Four's separation, which was led by John Lennon's will to distance himself from the rest of the band. Many fans still believe he was being manipulated by Ono, who had a powerful grip on him at the time.
This is, of course, impossible to prove. But there was no denying that Lennon and Ono had a unique bond. She became a sort of 5th Beatle, following John around on all occasions, and her presence coincided with the band's most troubled period. Inseparable, they eventually became the ultimate symbol of true love.
Getting Out and Getting Her
The Beatles' eventual separation, in 1970, was in part caused by Yoko Ono's presence. But many other factors contributed, such as McCartney's wanting to be the band's leader (especially after the death of the band's manager, Brian Epstein, in 1967), Harrison's growing reputation as an established songwriter, and Lennon's out-of-control use of heroin.
In the end, Paul decided to publicly start the break-up process, which led him to be outcasted by the other three band members. Harrison went on to release a popular 1970 solo album. Starr continued to play the drums, and Lennon became, alongside Ono, a public ambassador for peace & love. But in the process, John may have forgotten about some of his responsibilities...
The Other Woman
Yoko Ono will always be remembered as John Lennon's last, most-torrid, and strongest love. But there was another woman in Lennon's past. Her name was Cynthia Lennon, and she was John's very first love. They were married up until 1968, but they met decades before, at a college party.
John and Cynthia had been together since the late '50s, sharing an often troubled love story. They got married in 1962, back when The Beatles were just starting to become the world's most popular band. But there's more to their story.
A Baby Boy
In April 1963, John and Cynthia Lennon's first and only son was born. He was named Julian and struggled throughout his childhood. His father's fame and constant traveling led him to be often ignored. Now a 57-year-old musician/photographer, Julian, has recently gone as far as admitting that he hanged out more with Paul than he did with his father!
Even though Lennon was an absent parent, his decision to divorce Cynthia in 1968 was emotionally heavy on Julian. But what does all of this have to do with "Hey Jude"? We promise you, this essential to the song's story.
A Troubled Love Story
Considering how Lennon became an ever-lasting symbol of notions like peace, freedom, and love, it's hard to imagine that the Beatles composer was not very good when it came to taking care of his family.
He was reportedly an absent father, and, according to Cynthia, he was often violent towards her. Lennon's first marriage was filled with hard times, jealousy, and fights. Their marriage was fueled by Cynthia's pregnancy in 1962. The wedding ceremony was discreet and counted with Brian Epstein, The Beatles' manager, as best man.
From Jules to Jude
The reason why we've been telling you all about John Lennon's personal life is because it was essential to the creation of "Hey Jude." As we've seen, 1968 was a year marked by John and Cynthia's divorce. A divorce that was especially tough on little Julian.
Touched by Julian's struggle, "uncle" Paul decided to write a song inspired by the little boy. And so he did. Initially, it was called "Hey Jules" and it was a direct reference to Lennon's son. Later, 'Jules' was changed to a name that was easier to sing. And so, "Hey Jude" was born.
Remember to Smile
"Hey Jude, don't make it bad / Take a sad song and make it better." The opening lyrics of "Hey Jude" sound even more heartwarming now, don't they? The beautiful song was, after all, the way Paul found to make John's son feel a little better about the hard times ahead.
Going through a divorce is tough for everyone, but separations leave an especially indelible mark on the children. Back then, Julian was maybe too young to understand Paul's tribute. But we're pretty sure that listening to an upbeat tune like "Hey Jude" made him, at least, feel a little more positive towards life.
Paul Confirmed "Hey Jude"'s Origin
After years of the controversy surrounding "Hey Jude"'s origin, the connection to Julian Lenon was made with a book released in 1997. Written by Barry Miles, "Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now" explored the life and creation of the composer and erased all doubts regarding "Hey Jude"'s real meaning.
In the book, Paul admits that the song was made because of John and Cynthia's divorce and that it was meant to be a way of easing Julian's pain. As Paul has put it, "I always feel sorry for kids in divorces..."
Still, There Were Doubts
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, historians, musicologists, and critics have written thousands of volumes about The Beatles. One of them was Mark Herstgaard, who believed that the song could be, as Lennon himself felt, mainly about John Lennon and not his son.
Even though McCartney must have the final word on this matter, Herstgaard reasoning is strong. Some of the lyrics of "Hey Jude" seem to point directly at Lennon. Verses like "Hey Jude, don't let me down / You have found her now go and get her" seem to work as a direct reference to John and Yoko's relationship.
A Grown-Man's Song?
There are other clues in "Hey Jude"'s lyrics that seem to point out to Hertstgaard's theory that it was maybe about John Lennon. Namely, the fact that the song seems to focus on the relationship between a man and a woman. It would make no sense if the tune was about Julian.
This is all speculative but makes sense nonetheless. "Hey Jude, don't be afraid / You were made to go out and get her" seems to reflect McCartney's will to accept that his bandmate was ready to leave the band and focus on his newfound love. But there's more.
Other Possible Lennon References
The song also features the verse "You're waiting for someone to perform with," which seems to point out to the fact that 'Jude,' whoever he is, is a performer. Something that would describe Lennon perfectly.
"For well you know that it's a fool / Who plays it cool" is yet another verse that seems to reflect McCartney's view of John. Especially considering that the two were experiencing some friction in 1968. But we guess that's art. Despite all evidence, we still find a way of drawing different meanings and interpretations from it.
Julian Inspired Other Beatles Songs
Now a grown-man, Julian Lennon, was the most likely inspiration behind "Hey Jude." Even though some people doubt it, McCartney himself confirmed the relation. The famous tune is now inseparable from Julian.
But even before "Hey Jude" came out, the little Jules was already part of The Beatles' history. The Lennon songs "Lucy in the Sky With Diamond" and "Good Night" were inspired by the boy. The first was based on a painting by one of his friends. However, the latter is a typical lullaby that a father would sing to his son.
A Song That Matters
Julian and Paul had an exceptional relationship, and John's son never forgot about how much Paul cared about him. This was never any more clear than in 1996. That year, Julian decided to spend over $30K of his money to buy the original handwritten lyrics of the song!
This quite expensive piece of paper proved that Julian cared dearly about "Hey Jude." But the original lyrics are no longer part of Julian's private collection, and are now worth much, much more.
A Million-Dollar Piece of Paper?
On April 10, 2020, the news that "Hey Jude"'s original lyrics had been sold yet again shocked everyone! The massive importance of the song led to the original lyrics to reach almost $1 million in an auction, selling for $910K! Collection items are expensive, but nearly $1 million for a piece of paper? That's simply remarkable!
The same auction included the sale of a $200K Beatles bass drumhead, a $93K drawing by John and Yoko, and an ashtray previously owned by Ringo Starr.
One of The Best Songs Ever Written
Money is essential to evaluate the historical value of "Hey Jude." But if, like The Beatles, you believe that money can't buy you love, let's take a look at "Hey Jude"'s remarkable critical and popular reception.
You already know it was a hit single, but did you know that it was considered the best Beatles single in a 2012 poll? Considering the hit-filled catalog of the Fab Four, that's not a small feat by any means! But that's not all.
Making It Into the Top 10
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine listed the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time. And guess which Beatles song was the highest-placed? That's right, "Hey Jude." The unforgettable tune was placed 8th, a few years after ranking 7th in Mojo's magazine list of 100 Greatest Singles of All Time.
After its release in 1968, "Hey Jude" was nominated for three different Grammy Awards categories. It was named 'Single of the Year' by the NME magazine readers and topped the list of sales of the Ivor Novello Award. In 2001, it was inducted into the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Grammy Hall of Fame.
A Musician's Favorite
Popular amongst fans and critics alike, "Hey Jude" was also a favorite amongst musicians. Covered countless times over the years, the famous Beatles stadium anthem inspired artists of the likes of Wilson Pickett and Elvis Presley. Yes, the King of rock & roll himself paid homage to the song by covering it. It was one of the few Beatles songs that Elvis played throughout his extensive recording and performing career.
More recently, the song was performed by pop singer Katy Perry during a 2012 tribute ceremony to Paul McCartney. But its highest moment was perhaps at the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in London. Proving that "Hey Jude" is an undeniable symbol of the British culture, McCartney was called on stage and was followed by the crowd, in a memorable sing-along moment.
A Boy in the Middle
There are many ways of looking at the story of "Hey Jude." But at the end of the day, this is a song about a little boy. A boy whose childhood was marked by the unmatched success of those around them, particularly his father.
Julian Lennon's childhood was tough. But growing up, Julian found solace in the song his 'uncle' Paul wrote to him during one of the most challenging periods of his life: his father's divorce. In the end, it's as good of a song as an act of kindness.
The Happiest Days
Julian recalls that the happiest days he spent with his father were in the early '70s. This was back when John was dating the former music executive May Pang. Back then, John and Yoko were having marital problems, so John and Pang ended up spending 18 months together.
Eventually, John went back to Yoko, the love of his life. But during their time apart, he decided to reconnect with his son. Julian recalled this period in a 2009 interview, calling it "the happiest time I can remember with him [John]."
That Sad Day of December 8, 1980
Only months after this picture was taken, John Lennon was brutally assassinated outside of his residence in New York City, by a Beatles fan called Mark David Chapman. It was a tragic day for every music fan, for every Lennon supporter, and for anyone who believed in the ideals of peace & love.
A handful of years before, John took some time off to reconnect with his firstborn son, Julian, forever changing the idea the boy had of his formerly absent father. John was, at the time, a man ready to make for his past mistakes. But sadly, his life was cut abruptly short in one of the saddest days of the 20th century.
The Music Lives On
John was gone, but his music was going to live on forever. The Beatles' catalog is filled with great songs. And the Lennon-McCartney partnership is still deemed as one of the best in the history of recorded music.
John's death was shocking, but his voice, ideas, and compositions remain as inspirational today as they were back when he was alive. Paul, his "rival" and best friend, has recently said in an interview that he often dreams about John.
The Memorial
In 1985, a Central Park John Lennon memorial was inaugurated in New York City. Every year, fans of Lennon gather around the memorial by the time of his birthday to honor his legacy and pay homage to one of the best musicians that have ever lived.
And guess what? They sing songs together, with "Hey Jude" being one of the most popular. In 2017, a crowd of musicians, tourists, and enthusiasts, delivered a passionate cover of the song at the central park site where the word "Imagine" can be read.
The Beatles Now
Time goes by almost unnoticed, and suddenly, the Fab Four from Liverpool are no longer the young teenage idols they once were. Most importantly, they're half-broken, with John and George leaving this world way too soon.
Representing The Beatles today, Paul and Ringo have been involved in countless tributes, humanitarian causes, and reeditions of the band's catalog. They still play "Hey Jude" occasionally in their live shows. The song remains one of the favorite tunes of their audience.
"Hey Jude," 100 Years From Now
A philosopher once said that time is like an architect, relentlessly shaping the world around us. But no matter how cruel time can be, "Hey Jude" will live on in the collective imagination of humanity. As long as there's a young boy or girl to be inspired in this world, Paul's tune will continue to be as influential as it was back in the day it was released in 1968.
Because all of us go through bad days sometimes, songs like "Hey Jude" will always help us to take something sad, and make it better. And 100 years from now, we will still be singing "Na-na-na" together to the beat of this great tune.