 | Hey Jude
The Beatles
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In 1968 鈥楬ey Jude鈥 became the first record to appear on The Beatles鈥 own Apple label. It was primarily a Paul McCartney composition - and John Lennon later admitted that 鈥楬ey Jude鈥 was his favourite McCartney song.
Even by Beatle standards, the song was a daunting achievement: at 7 minutes and 11 seconds, it was the longest single to hit #1 in the UK and USA and in America, it stayed at the top for nine weeks - the longest run of any Beatle hit.
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Paul McCartney talks about the reasons behind the lyrics. |
 | The Sam Cooke-style verse chords couldn鈥檛 be plainer, but oh what a tune. The leap to the root octave on 鈥榮ong鈥 and the delayed resolution of the final 鈥榖etter鈥 each time, create an exhilarating sense of melodic freedom. The emotions intensify during the bridge, with its descending bass line and neatly arranged instrumental transitions. And the full-blooded outro chant is now one of the most famous lines in all music.
Dominic King
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Looking back, Paul McCartney recalled quite clearly the circumstances surrounding the song鈥檚 composition: 鈥淚 was driving out to see Cynthia Lennon鈥 it was just after John and she had broken up, and I was quite mates with Julian. I was going out in my car just vaguely singing this song, 鈥楬ey Jules, don鈥檛 make it bad鈥︹ Then I thought a better name was Jude, a bit more country and western for me.鈥
From such simple beginnings 鈥楬ey Jude鈥 developed into arguably the most ambitious Beatle single ever - a 40 piece orchestra was recruited for the recording, all of whom were drafted in for the four-minute choral 鈥渘a, na, na, na鈥︹ fade-out.
Only three months after The Beatles鈥 version, Wilson Pickett had a UK and US hit with the song - and it was eventually covered by everyone from Bing Crosby to Elvis Presley. Today, 鈥楬ey Jude鈥 still remains among McCartney鈥檚 own favourites - and one that he played to great effect during his triumphant 2003 tour.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions: Mark Lewisohn (Hamlyn, 1988)
Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now: Paul McCartney & Barry Miles (Secker & Warburg, 1997)
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Songwriting tips See if you can find a perfect partner in our tips on collaboration.Read about the business behind the songs.
| | Test your knowledgeKnow your Macca from your Crosby? Try the Hey Jude quiz! TAKE THE CHALLENGE! |
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