★ Marquee entry — extended editorial essay
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Overview
"Hey Jude" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles that was released as a non-album single in August 1968. It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The single was the Beatles' first release on their Apple record label and one of the "First Four" singles by Apple's roster of artists, marking the label's public launch. [Wikipedia]
Background
Written by McCartney as a comfort to Julian Lennon, then five years old, during John's break-up with Cynthia. Originally 'Hey Jules', changed because 'Jude' was easier to sing. Lennon later assumed (or claimed to assume) the song was about him. Hey Jude represented Paul McCartney's most expansive composition, featuring an extended instrumental outro that would become one of the Beatles' most recognizable musical moments. Originally written as a comfort song for Cilla Black's son, the composition evolved into an seven-minute orchestral epic with audience sing-along potential. (Beatles - the double-disc set popularly known as the 'White Album' because of its blank Kozinn 1995, p.175)
What's distinctive
At 7:11 it's among the very longest tracks in the canon (≥99th percentile). One of 65 songs led primarily by Paul. Recorded approximately 13 of 34 into the The White Album (1968) sessions. Carries the unique tag 'julian-lennon' — no other song shares it. Take count: 47 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)).Opening line — "Hey Jude, don't make it bad…" (brief identification excerpt; full lyrics © Sony Music Publishing — see Genius link in References.)
Pattern analysis
Recording
Sessions began at EMI on 29–30 July 1968 (rehearsal/demos) and were completed at Trident Studios in Soho on 31 July and 1 August — the Beatles' first work on Trident's new 8-track Studer machine. A 36-piece orchestra was assembled for the four-minute coda; the players were paid double-scale on the condition that they stand and sing 'Na, na, na' on the run-out. (Half the orchestra refused, took the single fee, and went home.) The extended length and orchestral arrangement required careful session planning and overdubbing strategy. George Martin's orchestration built gradually from the intimate opening to the climactic final sections. The session captured multiple takes to achieve the desired build and emotional arc. (r very unhappy Beatles gathered around a flustered Ken Scott, who was tweaking the controls Emerick 2006, p.669)
| Studio | EMI Studios + Trident Studios (Soho) — first Beatles 8-track sessions: 'Hey Jude' onward |
|---|---|
| Tape machine | Studer A80 8-track (Trident), 4-track at EMI until late 1968 |
| Console | REDD/TG12345 prototype; Trident A-Range |
| Microphones | U47/U48, AKG C12, U67 introduced |
| Outboard / effects | EMI RS124, EMT 140 & 250 (Trident), Fairchild 660, ADT, tape flanging, fuzz, wah (Vox/CryBaby) |
| Guitars | Epiphone Casino, Fender Strat (Rocky), Gibson J-200 acoustic, Martin D-28, Fender Telecaster Bass |
| Amplifiers | Fender Twin Reverb, Fender Bassman, Vox UL730 |
| Producer | George Martin (with Chris Thomas covering) |
| Engineer / 2nd | Ken Scott (early), Geoff Emerick walked off — replaced • John Smith, Mike Sheady, Barry Sheffield (Trident) |
| Estimated takes | 47 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)) |
Legacy & release history
Released 30 August 1968 as the first single on the Apple label. The first 7-minute-plus pop single ever to top the UK and US charts. Nine weeks at US number one — the band's longest-ever streak. The 'Na, na, na' coda became a pop singalong template — paraphrased by Wilson Pickett, Phish, Glee, and many others. Paul McCartney lead vocals appear in 65 canon songs (13 in White era). The track became one of the Beatles' most commercially successful and culturally resonant compositions. (ersion was prepared for the Sessions LP in 1984 Daniels 2024, p.193)
Mono & stereo
- Both mono and stereo mixes were prepared; the UK mono White Album (PMC 7067/8) has many distinct edits, mixes and effects vs. the stereo (PCS 7067/8) — collectors prize the mono.
Documented alternate versions
- Anthology 3 (1996) — alternate take or demo
- Mono Masters (2009 box) — Allan Rouse / Guy Massey remaster
- White Album 50th Anniversary (2018) — Giles Martin stereo remix
Released on
- Hey Jude — Single, 30 August 1968
Cross-references
Other songs sharing themes (julian-lennon, seven-minute-single, four-minute-coda, classic, nah-nah-singalong)
Other songs led by the same vocalist
Other songs from this era
julian-lennonseven-minute-singlefour-minute-codaclassicnah-nah-singalong
References & external databases
Awards & recognition
- Ivor Novello: Award for "A-Side With the Highest Sales"
Recognition mentions extracted from the Wikipedia article. Verify against the linked source before quoting.
Frequently asked
Who wrote Hey Jude?
“Hey Jude” is credited to Paul McCartney (Lennon–McCartney).
Who sings lead on Hey Jude?
The lead vocal on “Hey Jude” is by Paul McCartney.
When was Hey Jude recorded?
“Hey Jude” was recorded 31 Jul 1968 at EMI Studios, Abbey Road.
How many takes did Hey Jude require?
Mark Lewisohn's session log documents up to 47 numbered takes for “Hey Jude”.