Hey Jude - The Beatles
The original 1968 version:
Take 9 of the song, offering a unique version:
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Hey Jude by The Beatles is a song that has left an indelible mark on the history of music. Written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was released in August 1968 as the first single from their record label, Apple Records. Despite being over seven minutes long, it was a number-one hit in many countries and is one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century.
Background and Composition
Hey Jude was originally written by McCartney as "Hey Jules," intended to comfort John Lennon's son, Julian, during his parents' divorce. McCartney changed the name to "Jude" because it sounded better. The song evolves from a ballad into a more up-tempo, rock-inflected piece. Its structure is unusual for a pop song: four verses and two bridges, followed by a fade-out coda.
Recording
The Beatles recorded "Hey Jude" at Trident Studios, London, in July 1968. This session marked one of the first times a band used 8-track recording technology. The final mix of the song includes a 36-piece orchestra and McCartney's improvisational vocals during the fade-out.
Legacy
"Hey Jude" remains one of The Beatles' most famous songs. It's celebrated for its uplifting message and singalong coda. The song has been covered by many artists and features prominently in various media, including films and television shows.
External Links and Resources
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What inspired Paul McCartney to write "Hey Jude"? (Comforting Julian Lennon during his parents' divorce) (!The breakup of The Beatles) (!A personal love interest) (!A random encounter with a fan)
Which studio did The Beatles use to record "Hey Jude"? (Trident Studios, London) (!Abbey Road Studios) (!Sun Studio, Memphis) (!Capitol Studios, Los Angeles)
How long is the song "Hey Jude"? (Over seven minutes) (!Around three minutes) (!Five minutes) (!Ten minutes)
What is unique about the structure of "Hey Jude"? (Its extended fade-out coda) (!It has no chorus) (!It's entirely a cappella) (!It uses reverse playback)
When was "Hey Jude" released? (August 1968) (!December 1967) (!July 1969) (!April 1970)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What record label released "Hey Jude"? (Apple Records) (!Parlophone) (!Capitol Records) (!EMI)
Who is credited with writing "Hey Jude"? (Lennon-McCartney) (!George Harrison) (!Ringo Starr) (!Brian Epstein)
In which band's catalog does "Hey Jude" appear? (The Beatles) (!The Rolling Stones) (!The Who) (!Led Zeppelin)
Which Beatles member primarily wrote "Hey Jude"? (Paul McCartney) (!John Lennon) (!George Harrison) (!Ringo Starr)
What type of recording technology was notably used in "Hey Jude"? (8-track recording) (!4-track recording) (!Digital recording) (!Live recording)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
How does the chorus of "Hey Jude" begin? ("Na-na-na na...") (!"Hey Jude, don't...") (!"Remember to...") (!"And anytime you feel...")
Which phrase is repeated in the song's coda? ("Na-na-na na...") (!"Hey Jude, Jude") (!"Don't let me down") (!"Let it out and let it in")
The song "Hey Jude" starts with the lyrics "Hey Jude..." followed by what? ("don't make it bad") (!"don't be afraid") (!"you were made to go out and get her") (!"remember to let her into your heart")
In "Hey Jude," what does Paul McCartney advise to "take a sad song and make it better"? (By remembering to let her into your heart) (!By facing the truth) (!By speaking words of wisdom) (!By standing up and walking out)
Which line follows "And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain" in the song? ("Don't carry the world upon your shoulders") (!"There's a place that you can go") (!"Whisper words of wisdom, let it be") (!"And don't you know that it's just you")
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic.
| Julian Lennon | Inspiration for "Hey Jude" |
| Trident Studios, London | Recording location of "Hey Jude" |
| 1968 | Year "Hey Jude" was released |
| Apple Records | Record label for "Hey Jude" |
| 8-track recording | Technology used in "Hey Jude" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research and write a paragraph about the impact of "Hey Jude" on popular music.
- Create a playlist of songs from the 1960s that complement "Hey Jude".
- Draw or paint an artwork inspired by the lyrics of "Hey Jude".
Standard
- Compare and contrast "Hey Jude" with another Beatles song in terms of composition and themes.
- Write an essay on how "Hey Jude" reflects the cultural and social atmosphere of the late 1960s.
- Analyze the lyrical structure of "Hey Jude" and discuss its musical progression.
Difficult
- Compose a musical piece inspired by "Hey Jude", incorporating similar themes or styles.
- Create a short documentary about the recording process and significance of "Hey Jude".
- Conduct an interview with music experts or fans about the legacy of "Hey Jude".
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Oral Exam
- Discuss how "Hey Jude" might have been different if recorded during a different era of The Beatles' career.
- Explore the influence of "Hey Jude" on modern songwriting and music production techniques.
- Analyze how "Hey Jude" balances simplicity in lyrics with complexity in musical arrangement.
- Debate the role of "Hey Jude" in shaping The Beatles' legacy as a band.
- Examine the global cultural impact of "Hey Jude" since its release.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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