The Truth Behind 'Hey Jude': Did Paul McCartney Write It for Julian or Sean?

There has been much speculation and debate around the creation of the iconic Beatles song, 'Hey Jude.' Many have wondered if it was written for Julian Lennon, John Lennon's son, or if it was an entirely different story. Did Paul McCartney indeed write it for Julian, or was it actually intended for another child?

Did Paul McCartney Write 'Hey Jude' for Julian?

From all I have read, 'Hey Jude' was originally titled 'Hey Jules,' a nickname that Paul had for Julian. The song indeed had its roots in an emotional time in Julian's life. At the time, his parents, John and Cynthia (John's first wife), were going through a turbulent period and eventually separating. Paul wanted to help Julian through this difficult time. As Julian got older, he began to understand that the song was written for him, which helped him cope with the situation.

The Story of the Song

The Beatles song "Hey Jude" was written in 1968. Several years later, Julian's half-brother, James McCartney, was born in 1977 - long after the song was penned. This fact alone dispels the notion that the song was written for James. The inspiration for the song came from a combination of Paul's visit to see Julian and a personal emotional encounter on the road.

The Inspiration and Naming

Paul was driving home from a visit to John and Cynthia when he impulsively started singing the song. According to various accounts, the original title was 'Hey Jules' before it was changed to 'Hey Jude.' This modification was made because of its melodic and rhythmic quality. Interestingly, John initially thought the song was intended for him, possibly due to his close relationship with Julian at that time.

Paul's Intentions

In essence, Paul wrote 'Hey Jude' as a means to comfort Julian during a particularly difficult phase of his life. The move from 'Hey Jules' to 'Hey Jude' not only reflected a change in the song's title but also a broader emotional context. Paul's actions were an attempt to provide some solace to Julian and, in turn, inspired one of the most beloved and iconic songs of all time.

Conclusion

From the evidence provided by Julian Lennon's quotes and the timeline of the creation of the song, it is clear that 'Hey Jude' was indeed written for Julian. Paul's intentions were heartfelt and ultimately achieved their goal, as Julian later reflected on how the song helped him deal with his parents' divorce.

Key Points Summarized:

Paul McCartney wrote 'Hey Jude' for Julian Lennon during a period of emotional turmoil. The song was originally titled 'Hey Jules' due to a nickname Paul had for Julian. John Lennon initially thought the song was for him, mistakenly. Paul changed the title to 'Hey Jude' for a reason beyond just the melody. The song was written in 1968, long before James McCartney was born.

These points underscore the authentic and compassionate nature of McCartney's creation, one that continues to resonate with listeners the world over.