'Hey Jude' – The Beatles (1968)

About the Song

“Hey Jude,” released in 1968, isn’t just a Beatles song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a timeless anthem of comfort and connection. Written by Paul McCartney, the song’s origins lie in a deeply personal place, offering solace to John Lennon’s son Julian during his parents’ divorce.
But “Hey Jude” transcends its personal context, becoming a universal message of support and understanding. The gentle melody, built around a simple piano and acoustic guitar, creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. McCartney’s vocals, imbued with sincerity and tenderness, deliver the lyrics with a touch of empathy and encouragement.

The song’s magic lies in its simplicity. The lyrics, devoid of complex metaphors or grand declarations, focus on offering reassurance and reminding the listener that they are not alone. Lines like “Take a sad song and make it better” and “You have found her, now go and get her” resonate with anyone who has ever faced challenges or experienced heartbreak.
The iconic “na na na” section, initially intended as a placeholder during recording, became a defining element of the song. It serves as a powerful singalong moment, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

“Hey Jude” has been covered by countless artists, each adding their own interpretation. But the original remains a masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of music to connect, comfort, and offer hope. So, the next time you hear those opening chords, take a moment to appreciate the magic of “Hey Jude,” a song that continues to touch hearts and offer solace decades after its release.

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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]
 

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