Hey Jude (song)

Hey, Jude is a song written by Paul McCartney of The Beatles, credited to Lennon/McCartney. The purpose of Hey Jude was to comfort Julian Lennon (aka "Jules") about his parents' divorce (John and Cynthia Lennon) It went to number one on the Billboard hits and also comforted Julian. "Hey, Jude" came on a two-sided single, along with the song "Revolution".

Lyrics
The song's lyrics are about someone encouraging a man named Jude to go after a woman by saying things like "don't be afraid" and "you have found her, now go and get her". The song ends with the band yelling "Na Na Na" as the song slowly fades off.

Paul McCartney originally wanted to call the song "Hey Jules", but decided to change some letters around in the name "Jules" to form "Hey Jude" to draw attention away from John Lennon's son Julian, who the song was written for.

Composition
The song was written by Paul McCartney, in an attempt to soothe Julian Lennon, John Lennon's son, after his father and mother, John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia, were having a divorce. "Revolution" was released as its B-side. It is also said that John originally misunderstood the song and thought that it was Paul telling John that he supported his relationship with Yoko.

Recording
"Hey Jude" was recorded at Trident Studios from the 29th to 31st of July and the 1st of August.

Credits

 * Paul McCartney - Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (1968 Fender Jazz Bass) or (1964 Rickenbacker 4001S), Piano (Bechstein #44064 Grand)
 * John Lennon - Acoustic Guitar (1964 Gibson J-160E), Harmony and Backing Vocals
 * George Harrison - Lead Guitar (1964 Gibson SG) or (1961 Fender Sonic Blue Stratocaster, painted psychedelic), Backing Vocals
 * Ringo Starr - Drums (1964 Ludwig Super Classic Black Oyster Pearl), Tambourine, Backing Vocals
 * Uncredited 36-piece orchestra – 10 violins, three violas, three cellos, two double basses, two flutes, two clarinets, one bass clarinet, one bassoon, one contrabassoon, four trumpets, two horns, four trombones, and one percussion instrument; 35 of these musicians on additional backing vocals and handclaps.

Behind the scenes

 * Actor River Jude Phoenix (August 23, 1970 – October 31, 1993) was given his middle name because of this song.
 * In November 2015, viewers of UK TV channel ITV voted this song their all-time Beatles number 1, in the show The Nation's Favourite Beatles Number 1.

Links

 * Lyrics and Audio at Songpedia