Hey Jude

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the timeless classic "Hey Jude" by The Beatles, released as a single in August 1968. This iconic track, written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon-McCartney, was originally titled "Hey Jules," crafted to comfort John Lennon's son, Julian, during his parents' divorce after Lennon's affair with Yoko Ono. McCartney, driving to visit Cynthia and Julian Lennon in Weybridge, composed the song in his Aston Martin, aiming to uplift young Julian with its hopeful lyrics. The song’s title shifted to "Jude" for its sonic flow, but its heartfelt message remained. John Lennon initially thought the song was directed at him, interpreting lines like "go out and get her" as McCartney’s subtle nod to his new relationship with Ono, a perspective he shared in a 1980 Playboy interview, saying, “The angel in him was saying, ‘Bless you.’ The devil in him didn’t like it at all because he didn’t want to lose his partner.”

Clocking in at over seven minutes, "Hey Jude" was the longest single to top the British charts at the time, with its famous four-minute "na-na-na" coda inviting listeners to sing along, as seen in the 1968 promotional video shot at Twickenham Film Studios, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg. The recording sessions at Trident Studios in London were lively, with McCartney on piano, Lennon on acoustic guitar, George Harrison on electric guitar, and Ringo Starr on drums. A quirky moment occurred when Starr, returning from a toilet break, tiptoed back to his drumkit mid-take, nailing his cue as McCartney recalled. The studio was even decorated with marijuana plants at the insistence of the Beatles’ aide Mal Evans, creating a "soft" vibe, according to Trident’s founder Norman Sheffield. Posted on X by @AbbeyRoad on July 29, 2020, the song’s recording began on this day in 1968, with six takes laid down between 8:30 PM and 4 AM.

Another tidbit: during the final verse, at around 2:58, McCartney mutters “Whoa, fucking hell!” after missing a cue, a moment barely audible in the mix but cherished by fans for its raw energy. The song’s universal appeal made it a global unifier, released on The Beatles’ own Apple Records label, selling five million copies in six months and hitting number one in 12 countries. Cynthia Lennon once shared in a 2005 interview that the song always brought tears to her eyes, while Julian discovered its personal connection nearly 20 years later, highlighting the deep emotional layers behind its creation. McCartney still performs "Hey Jude" live, leading audiences in its anthemic coda, a tradition unbroken since Lennon’s tragic death in 1980.

The Beatles, formed in Liverpool, England, in 1957, began as a skiffle group called The Quarrymen, led by John Lennon. Paul McCartney joined after meeting Lennon at a church fete on July 6, 1957, followed by George Harrison, a friend of McCartney’s. The trio, bonded by their love for American rock and roll, honed their craft through grueling performances in Hamburg, Germany, and Liverpool’s Cavern Club. By 1961, manager Brian Epstein polished their image, and with drummer Ringo Starr joining in 1962, the lineup was complete. Under producer George Martin at Parlophone, they transformed from local heroes to global icons with their first hit, “Please Please Me,” in 1963. Their innovative songwriting, charismatic performances, and cultural impact sparked Beatlemania, reshaping music and pop culture forever.

Stay connected with The Beatles through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates and nostalgic vibes. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Beatles Radio, which streams their music 24/7, or explore The Beatles’ official website for album collages and historical insights. Join fellow Zoo Freaks in fan communities like the Facebook group for The Beatles or the r/beatles subreddit, where enthusiasts share trivia, memes, and love for the Fab Four. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let "Hey Jude" lift your spirits!