“Hey Jude” / “Revolution” – Doyle’s Space: Music Hall of Fame – SOS Award

This next “Stand Out Single” is another obvious choice, but when I played the “B” side, I was blown away!

The Beatles’ iconic single “Hey Jude” / “Revolution,” released on August 26, 1968, in the United States and August 30 in the United Kingdom, stands as one of the band’s most celebrated works. Written primarily by Paul McCartney, though credited to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership,

I remember getting my mom to drive me to a record store where I picked up this 45 on its release day. After playing “Hey Jude”, which was all over the radio, I flipped it over. I was blown away by “Revolution”. I believe it was the hardest rock record I had ever owned up until then. I loved it that day, and still love it just as much today.

“Hey Jude” was conceived as a comforting ballad for John Lennon’s son, Julian, amid his parents’ divorce. Originally titled “Hey Jules,” McCartney later changed it to “Hey Jude” for a smoother sound. The song is a 7:11 minute epic, revolutionary at the time for its length,

and features a memorable coda with a prolonged “na-na-na” singalong. “Hey Jude” was recorded on July 31, 1968, with overdubs on August 01, 1968, at Trident Studios1, London, mixed Aug 08, 1968 at EMI, and features McCartney on piano and vocals, John Lennon on acoustic guitar, George Harrison on electric guitar, Ringo Starr on drums, and a 36-piece orchestra. The song’s structure, with a simple, comforting verse and an uplifting, repetitive outro,

emphasizes themes of optimism, self-empowerment, and the importance of letting go of pain. Critically and commercially successful, it topped charts worldwide, including nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It is often ranked among the greatest songs of all time, landing at #8 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2021.

Musicians

“Hey Jude” (left) / “Revolution” (right)
  • Paul McCartney : Bass, Piano, Vocals
  • Ringo Starr : Backing vocals, Drums, Tambourine
  • John Lennon : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals
  • George Harrison : Backing vocals, Electric guitar
  • Bill Jackman : Flute
  • Unknown : Bassoon
  • Unknown : Contrabass clarinet
  • Unknown : Contrabassoon
  • Unknown : Four trombones
  • Unknown : Four trumpets
  • Unknown : One flute
  • Unknown : One percussionist
  • Unknown : Ten violins
  • Unknown : Three violas
  • Unknown : Two cellos
  • Unknown : Two clarinets
  • Unknown : Two double basses
  • Unknown : Two french horns
  • John Perry : Backing vocals
  • Bobby Kok : Cello
  • Paul McCartney : Bass guitar, Hammond organ, Handclaps
  • Ringo Starr : Drums, Handclaps
  • John Lennon : Electric guitar, Handclaps, Vocals
  • George Harrison : Electric guitar, Handclaps
  • Nicky Hopkins : Electric piano

The B-side, “Revolution,” written by John Lennon, presents a stark contrast to the gentle optimism of “Hey Jude.” It was recorded July 10, 11, 12, 1968, at Trident Studios (mixed at EMI on July 15, 1968). Lennon’s lyrics reflect his ambivalence2 toward the political upheaval of the 1960s. The Beatles recorded three versions of “Revolution”:

the fast, hard-hitting rock version released as the B-side of “Hey Jude”; the slower, bluesy “Revolution 1” on The White Album; and the experimental sound collage “Revolution 9.” The single version, with its distorted guitars and impassioned vocal delivery, emphasizes Lennon’s skepticism toward violent revolution, declaring,

“But when you talk about destruction / Don’t you know that you can count me out.” Some critics and activists at the time viewed Lennon’s stance as too conservative. Nonetheless, “Revolution” remains a staple of protest music and a defining moment in rock history. The release of “Hey Jude” / “Revolution” was groundbreaking,

not only for its musical innovation but also for its cultural impact. “Hey Jude” became the longest single ever released at the time and one of The Beatles’ best-selling singles, while “Revolution” sparked discussions about the role of artists in political discourse. The record was the first single released on Apple Records,

marking a new chapter in the band’s career. “Hey Jude” is one of The Beatles’ most performed songs, though never by the full band in concert. Paul McCartney continues to play it live, often leading massive singalongs. During the recording of “Revolution,” the distorted guitar effect was achieved by overloading the input of a mixing console, a technique that became iconic.

The Beatles made a promotional film for “Hey Jude” and “Revolution”. For “Hey Jude”, they settled on the idea of shooting with a live, albeit controlled, audience. The single is remembered as a masterclass in contrasting musical styles and messages, illustrating the creative breadth of The Beatles. The pairing of a hopeful, universal anthem with a politically charged rocker exemplifies the band’s ability to address personal and societal issues with equal impact.

"Hey, Jude"

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.

Da da da da da da da da da.
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.

Da da da da da da da da da.
Hey, Jude, don't make it bad,
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her under your skin,
Then you begin to make it better
Better, better, better, better ohhuh!
Hey Jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude
Nah, ... na, na, nananana ... nananana, hey jude

"Revolution" 

You say you want a revolution, well you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, well you know
We all want to change the world

But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know you can count me out

Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

You say you got a real solution, well you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution, well you know
We're doing what we can

But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is brother you'll have to wait

Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

You say you'll change the constitution, well you know
We'd all love to change your head
You tell me it's the institution, well you know
You better free your mind instead

But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow

Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Alright, alright
Footnotes
  1. Trident Studios, located at 17 St. Anne’s Court in Soho, London, was a legendary recording studio founded in 1967 by brothers Norman and Barry Sheffield. It quickly became famous for its cutting-edge technology, being one of the first studios in the UK to use 8-track recording, which attracted top artists seeking more complex and high-fidelity recordings. The Beatles recorded “Hey Jude” there in 1968, drawn by its superior sound quality and advanced equipment, and the studio’s reputation soared as iconic albums were produced within its walls. David Bowie recorded Space Oddity, Hunky Dory, and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars at Trident, while Queen crafted their first albums, including “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The studio’s relaxed, creative atmosphere made it a favorite for Elton John, Marc Bolan, Carly Simon, and Genesis, among others, solidifying its place in music history. Despite its immense success, financial difficulties led to its closure in 1981, but Trident Studios remains a symbol of the golden era of rock and pop music, remembered for its groundbreaking recordings and contributions to the careers of legendary artists. ↩︎
  2. Ambivalence means having mixed or conflicting feelings about something. It’s when you feel both positive and negative emotions toward a person, situation, or idea at the same time. For example, someone might feel ambivalent about starting a new job—excited for new opportunities but nervous about the challenges. ↩︎
Further Reading
Sources

Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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