Hey Jude
Jon Simon Lyrics


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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

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

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 better, oh





Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Hey Jude" by The Beatles were written by Paul McCartney as a way to comfort Julian Lennon, John Lennon's son, during his parents' divorce. The song is a message of hope and encouragement, telling the listener to not give up and to keep trying to make things better. The opening lyrics, "Hey Jude, don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better," are a call to action for the listener to turn their negative feelings into something positive.


The song also urges the listener to let go of their fears and insecurities and to open themselves up to love and connection with others. McCartney sings, "Remember to let her into your heart, then you can start to make it better," emphasizing the importance of letting love in and allowing it to heal one's pain.


The chorus of the song, with its repeated "na na na na" refrain, is a powerful and uplifting anthem that encourages the listener to keep going, to not give up, and to believe in themselves. The song's message of hope and resilience has resonated with audiences for decades, making it one of The Beatles' most beloved and enduring songs.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Don't let your situation get the best of you


Take a sad song and make it better
Turn your sadness into something positive


Remember to let her into your heart
Be open to love and affection


Then you can start to make it better
Only when you're open to love can you improve your situation


Hey Jude, don't be afraid
Don't let fear hold you back


You were made to go out and get her
You were meant to pursue what you desire


The minute you let her under your skin
Once you truly let someone into your heart


Then you begin to make it better
Only then can you truly start to improve your situation


And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain
Take a step back when it hurts


Don't carry the world upon your shoulders
Don't burden yourself with things beyond your control


For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool
Pretending everything is okay when it's not is foolish


By making his world a little colder
Pretending everything is okay only creates distance and isolation


Hey Jude, don't let me down
Don't disappoint yourself or others


You have found her, now go and get her
Once you've found what you want or need, pursue it


So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin
Be open to giving and receiving love


You're waiting for someone to perform with
You're looking for someone to share your life with


And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do
You don't need someone else to validate or complete you


The movement you need is on your shoulder
You have the ability to make positive changes on your own


Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Don't let your situation get the best of you (repeated for emphasis)


Take a sad song and make it better
Turn your sadness into something positive (repeated for emphasis)


Remember to let her under your skin
Be open to love and affection (repeated for emphasis)


Then you'll begin to make it
Only then can you truly start to improve your situation (repeated for emphasis)


Better better better better better better, oh
A playful way of emphasizing the message that things can and will get better


Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude
A joyful, catchy refrain that reinforces the positive message of the song




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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