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Paul McCartney's 'Hey Jude': A Comfort for Julian Lennon

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Paul McCartney wrote the seven-minute ballad "Hey Jude" to support Julian Lennon during his parents' divorce.
The song's original title was "Hey Jools," and it aimed to comfort Julian, whose mother is Cynthia Lennon.
In The Beatles Anthology, McCartney shared insights into his songwriting process.
John Lennon, in a 1980 Playboy interview, said the song addressed his relationship with Yoko Ono and his own struggles leaving Julian and his marriage.

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Story summary

Paul McCartney wrote the seven-minute ballad "Hey Jude" to support Julian Lennon during his parents' divorce.
The song's original title was "Hey Jools," and it aimed to comfort Julian, whose mother is Cynthia Lennon.
In The Beatles Anthology, McCartney shared insights into his songwriting process.
John Lennon, in a 1980 Playboy interview, said the song addressed his relationship with Yoko Ono and his own struggles leaving Julian and his marriage.