"Hey Jude"

Song: “Hey Jude”
Album: (Not released on LP)

Written by McCartney and originally titled “Hey Jules,” “Hey Jude” was released in August 1968, the first single from the Apple Records label.  At over seven minutes, it was the longest song to ever top the British charts, and it spent nine weeks atop the U.S. charts (the longest run at number one for a Beatles tune). The name was changed from “Jules” to “Jude” simply because Paul thought it was easier to sing and sounded better.

While the origin of the song is often disputed (many people in Paul’s life believed or still believe it was/is about them), “Hey Jude” was most likely written for John’s son Julian as a comfort during his parents’ divorce.  Apparently Paul and Julian were quite close, and Julian has said that he and Paul spent more time together than even he and John (his father) did. And Paul was likely concerned for Julian during John’s divorce from Cynthia, knowing how difficult that can be on a young child.

Even John believed the song was actually about him (i.e. “Hey John”), an encouragement for him to pursue his new love Yoko (probably because of lines like, “You were made to go out and get her”).

Whatever its origin, the song certainly serves as a good example of Paul and John’s personal and creative relationship. When McCartney shared the song with Lennon, he expressed his intent to change the “the movement you need is on your shoulder” line, thinking it silly. But John knew he wouldn’t change it, and told him as much, saying it’s the best line in the song.  Paul kept it, and has said that he thinks of John whenever he sings that bit, often feeling emotional.