Hey Jude – The Beatles

About the Song

“Hey Jude,” released in 1968 by The Beatles, transcends the realm of pop music. Clocking in at over seven minutes, this epic ballad stands as a testament to the band’s creative evolution and their ability to capture the complexities of human emotion. More than just a song, “Hey Jude” became an anthem of comfort and solace during a tumultuous time in the band’s history.

The song’s origins lie in a period of personal upheaval for John Lennon, who was going through a divorce from his first wife, Cynthia. Paul McCartney, witnessing his friend’s struggles, wrote “Hey Jude” as a message of encouragement and support. The opening line, “Hey Jude, don’t make it bad,” sets the tone for the song, offering a gentle hand to someone navigating a difficult situation.

“Hey Jude” unfolds in a unique way. The verses are intimate and introspective, with McCartney offering words of comfort and urging Jude (Lennon) to “take a sad song and make it better.” The song then explodes into a powerful and uplifting chorus, with the repeated refrain of “Na na na na” acting as a mantra of resilience and hope. This structure perfectly captures the ebb and flow of emotions – the quiet despair of the verses contrasted with the defiant optimism of the chorus.

Musically, “Hey Jude” showcases The Beatles’ mastery of studio experimentation. The song starts with a stripped-down arrangement featuring just piano and vocals, gradually building to a powerful crescendo with the addition of drums, guitars, and a full orchestra. This sonic journey mirrors the emotional arc of the song, taking the listener from a place of quiet contemplation to a state of triumphant affirmation.

Beyond its personal significance, “Hey Jude” resonated with a wider audience grappling with its own social and political turmoil. Released amidst the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, the song’s message of hope and perseverance offered a much-needed solace. “Hey Jude” became an anthem for a generation, a reminder that even in the face of darkness, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

The enduring legacy of “Hey Jude” lies in its universality. The song transcends its specific context, speaking to anyone who has ever faced heartbreak, loss, or difficult times. It’s a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that with a little help and a lot of hope, we can overcome them. “Hey Jude” continues to be a beloved classic, a testament to The Beatles’ songwriting prowess and their ability to create music that touches the soul.

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Lyrics: “Hey Jude”

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

Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah

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

Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah yeah

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… oh!

Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (Jude)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (don’t make it bad, Jude)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (take a sad song and make it better)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (oh, Jude)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (Jude, hey, Jude, whoa)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (ooh)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude [fade out]