Skip to main content

The Beatles – Hey Jude – 1968

About The Song


“Hey Jude” is a classic song by The Beatles released in 1968. It was written by Paul McCartney and became one of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks. Here are five facts about the song:

  1. Origin and Inspiration: Paul McCartney wrote “Hey Jude” as a comfort to Julian Lennon, the son of John Lennon, during the divorce of John and Cynthia Lennon. The original title was “Hey Jules,” but McCartney changed it to “Jude” because he thought it sounded better.
  2. Record-Breaking Length: At over seven minutes long, “Hey Jude” was initially met with skepticism about its extended length for a single. However, it went on to become one of the longest songs to top the charts, showcasing The Beatles’ ability to push musical boundaries.
  3. First Apple Records Release: “Hey Jude” was released on The Beatles’ own record label, Apple Records, and it marked one of the label’s early and significant successes. The B-side of the single was “Revolution,” another notable song from the White Album.
  4. Sustained “Na-na-na” Chorus: The song is particularly memorable for its extended and repeated “na-na-na” chorus towards the end. The simple yet powerful sing-along element contributed to the song’s widespread appeal and has become a hallmark of the track.
  5. Chart-Topping Success: “Hey Jude” spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it one of The Beatles’ most successful singles. It also topped the charts in various other countries and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Video

Lyrics

Hey Jude, don’t make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.

Hey Jude, don’t be afraid.
You were made to go out and get her.
The minute you let her under your skin,
Then you begin to make it better.

And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain,
Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.
For well you know that it’s a fool who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder.

Hey Jude, don’t let me down.
You have found her, now go and get her.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.

So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin,
You’re waiting for someone to perform with.
And don’t you know that it’s just you, hey Jude, you’ll do,
The movement you need is on your shoulder.

Hey Jude, don’t make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her under your skin,
Then you’ll begin to make it
Better better better better better better, oh.

Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude…
(repeat X number of times, fade)