Hey Jude facts for kids
"Hey Jude" is a famous song by the English pop-rock group The Beatles. It was written by Paul McCartney. The song started as "Hey Jules," a comforting tune McCartney wrote for Julian, the son of his bandmate John Lennon. This was during a difficult time when Julian's parents were going through a divorce.
"Hey Jude" was released in August 1968. It is quite long, lasting over seven minutes. At the time, it was the longest single ever to reach the top of the British music charts.
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The Story Behind the Song
Paul McCartney wrote "Hey Jude" to cheer up Julian Lennon. Julian was only five years old when his parents, John and Cynthia Lennon, were separating. McCartney drove to visit Cynthia and Julian and started thinking about how Julian must be feeling.
He began humming a tune and thinking of words to comfort Julian. The original line was "Hey Jules, don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better." This idea grew into the song we know today.
A Record-Breaking Hit
When "Hey Jude" was released, its long length was unusual for a single. Most pop songs were much shorter, around three minutes. However, the song's popularity proved that a longer song could still be a massive hit.
It quickly became a number-one song in many countries around the world. This included the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. Its success showed that The Beatles could break traditional rules and still create music that everyone loved.
What Makes the Song Special?
"Hey Jude" is known for its powerful sound and emotional lyrics. It starts as a gentle piano ballad and slowly builds up. The song features Paul McCartney's strong vocals and a simple, comforting message.
The last four minutes of the song are famous for a long "na-na-na" chant. This part includes a full orchestra and backing vocals from many people, including some of The Beatles' friends. This grand ending makes the song feel very uplifting and memorable.
Recording the Song
The Beatles recorded "Hey Jude" at Trident Studios in London. This was a new studio for them, and they were excited to try out its equipment. The recording process involved many takes to get the song just right.
During the recording, there was some disagreement among the band members. However, they worked through it to create the final version. The song's complex arrangement, with its many layers of instruments and voices, shows the band's skill and creativity.
Legacy of "Hey Jude"
"Hey Jude" remains one of The Beatles' most famous and beloved songs. It is often played at concerts and events, with audiences singing along to the "na-na-na" part. The song is seen as a message of hope and encouragement.
It has been covered by many other artists and is often included in lists of the greatest songs of all time. Its lasting popularity shows how much it connects with people of all ages.
Images for kids
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Yoko Ono and John Lennon in Amsterdam in March 1969
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The former Trident Studios building at St Anne's Court in Soho (pictured in 2018), where "Hey Jude" was recorded
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The Beatles performing in the "Hey Jude" promotional film, surrounded by members of the studio audience
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Julian Lennon (pictured at the John Lennon Peace Monument in 2010) bid successfully for the Beatles' recording notes for the song at an auction in 1996.
See also
In Spanish: Hey Jude para niños
