Hey Jude – Elvis Presley

Introduction

“Hey Jude,” the iconic ballad penned by Paul McCartney, has transcended generations and genres, becoming a timeless anthem of comfort and hope. While the original version by The Beatles was released in 1968, Elvis Presley’s soulful rendition in 1972 added a unique layer of tenderness and warmth to the song’s message.

The story behind “Hey Jude” is as poignant as the song itself. In 1968, John Lennon’s then-wife Cynthia left him for another man, deeply affecting their teenage son Julian. Witnessing Julian’s pain, McCartney wrote “Hey Jude” as a message of solace and reassurance.

The song’s title, originally “Hey Jules,” was a playful endearment for Julian, and the lyrics delicately navigate themes of loss, resilience, and the power of love to heal. Lines like “Take a sad song and make it better” and “Don’t be afraid, Jude” resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or loss.

Four years after The Beatles’ release, Elvis Presley, a lifelong admirer of their music, decided to record his own version of “Hey Jude.” Presley’s interpretation infuses the song with his signature gospel and blues influences, adding a depth and richness that complements McCartney’s heartfelt lyrics.

Elvis’s soulful vocals, particularly in the extended seven-minute live performances, weave a tapestry of empathy and understanding, further solidifying the song’s universal appeal. His rendition became a staple in his live shows, often segued into his own hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” creating a powerful medley of love and hope.

“Hey Jude” by Elvis Presley transcends its origins as a message to a young boy. It has become an anthem for anyone facing challenges, offering solace and reminding us of the enduring power of love and hope. Whether sung by a lone voice or a stadium full of fans, the song’s message continues to resonate, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a reason to sing, to heal, and to start making the world a little better.

Video

Lyrics

Hey, Jude, don’t make it bad
Take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better

Hey, Jude, don’t be afraid
You were made to go out and get her
The minute you let her under your skin
Then you begin to make it better

And anytime you feel the pain,
Hey, Jude, refrain
Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders
For well you know that it’s a fool
Who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder

Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah

Hey, Jude, don’t let me down
You have found her, now go and get her
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better

So let it out and let it in,
Hey, Jude, begin
You’re waiting for someone to perform with
And don’t you know that it’s just you,
Hey, Jude, you’ll do
The movement you need is on your shoulder

Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah yeah

Hey, Jude, don’t make it bad
Take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her under your skin
Then you’ll begin to make it better, better, better, better, better… oh!

Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (Jude)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (don’t make it bad, Jude)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (take a sad song and make it better)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (oh, Jude)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (Jude, hey, Jude, whoa)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude (ooh)
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude
Nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah nah,
Hey, Jude [fade out]