Why “Hey Jude” Was Almost Called “Hey Jules”

April 1, 2025

In the summer of 1968, Paul McCartney was sitting at his piano, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. The Beatles had become an international sensation, but with fame came an overwhelming pressure. Paul had been thinking about his friend John Lennon’s son, Julian, who was going through a tough time following his parents’ divorce. He wanted to reach out to the boy, to let him know that everything would be alright. That’s when the melody of a new song began to swirl through his mind, a tune that would eventually become one of the most beloved tracks in music history: “Hey Jude.”

Originally, Paul intended to name the song “Hey Jules.” It was a simple name for a simple message of comfort and encouragement. In those first moments of writing, he could picture Julian’s face lighting up as he sang it. The lyrics were meant to be a heartfelt reminder to take a sad situation and make it better, a message that anyone, especially a young boy facing heartache, could embrace. Paul poured his emotions into the music, believing that with a little hope and kindness, anyone could find their way through dark times.

As the song took shape, however, Paul’s friend and fellow bandmate, John Lennon, suggested a change. He thought “Jude” had a better ring to it, something more powerful and universal. Paul mulled it over, realizing that while he was writing this song for Julian, the message was much bigger than just one person. “Hey Jude” would resonate with anyone who had ever faced struggles or felt lost. Embracing the suggestion, he decided to go forward with the new name. It was a decision that would eventually shape the lives of so many listeners around the world.

When “Hey Jude” was released, it soared to the top of the charts, becoming one of The Beatles’ biggest hits. The song’s uplifting message combined with its captivating melody struck a chord with people of all ages. It became an anthem of hope, reminding everyone that it was okay to feel sad but encouraging them to keep pushing forward. Paul received countless letters from fans who shared their own stories of hardship and how the song had inspired them. As he read these letters, he felt a profound sense of purpose, realizing that music could heal not just the heart of a young boy but the hearts of millions.

Reflecting on that summer day when he first sat down to write, Paul often marveled at how one small change—turning “Jules” into “Jude”—had caused a ripple effect, changing his life and the lives of so many others. He understood that creativity is often about taking risks and embracing new ideas, and he felt grateful for the insights shared within the band. “Hey Jude” taught him that through music, he could touch the hearts of people everywhere, transcending barriers and uniting them in shared experiences of love and resilience.

Years later, as Paul McCartney continues to perform the song, he still feels its magic. Each time he sings the iconic opening line, he remembers Julian and the intention behind the song. “Hey Jude” remains a beacon of light, a testament to hope, reminding everyone that no matter how tough life gets, we all have the power to make it better. It’s a story of friendship, creativity, and the extraordinary strength of music to uplift, connect, and inspire, proving that sometimes the most beautiful things come from simple beginnings.