Hey Jude
LOVE ME DO Lyrics
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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
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
The lyrics of "Hey Jude" provide an uplifting message of hope and encouragement to someone going through a tough time. The song is addressed to "Jude" (who some speculate to be Julian Lennon, the son of John Lennon), and exhorts him to "take a sad song and make it better." McCartney starts the song by asking Jude not to make it bad, and encouraging him to transform a sad song into something better. He advises Jude to let the person causing him pain into his heart, so he can begin to heal.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the message of finding the inner strength needed to improve one's situation. McCartney inspires Jude not to be afraid, letting her under his skin and out of his own shadow. At one point, the lyrics remind Jude that he doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, and that he should not shut himself off emotionally to avoid getting hurt. The song ends with repeated chants of "na na na" as a joyful, sing-along invitation to move beyond sadness and to embrace happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Don't make things worse than they already are, Hey Jude
Take a sad song and make it better
Look for inspiration in difficult times, and use it to improve your outlook
Remember to let her into your heart
Be open to love and allow yourself to be vulnerable
Then you can start to make it better
Once you open yourself up to love, you can begin to heal and improve your life
Hey Jude, don't be afraid
Have courage and take a chance on love, Hey Jude
You were made to go out and get her
You are meant to pursue the person you love and win them over
The minute you let her under your skin
Once you truly let someone into your heart, you will feel their presence deeply
Then you begin to make it better
The power of love can improve your life in countless ways
And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain
When you're hurting, take a step back and don't let it consume you
Don't carry the world upon your shoulders
Don't take on too much responsibility - it can be overwhelming
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool
Pretending you're unaffected by difficult situations is not a wise decision
By making his world a little colder
Keeping up a 'cool' facade can put up barriers to meaningful connections with others
Hey Jude, don't let me down
Don't disappoint me, Hey Jude - go after what you want and make it happen
You have found her, now go and get her
You have already discovered a great love - now make it yours
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin
Express yourself honestly and openly, and embrace the love that's available to you
You're waiting for someone to perform with
You're looking for a partner to share your passions and dreams with
And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do
You don't necessarily need anyone else to achieve your goals - you are capable on your own
The movement you need is on your shoulder
The power to go after what you want is within you - it's up to you to make a move
Better better better better better better, oh
Things can always improve and get better, Hey Jude - never stop striving for the best
Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude
A catchy sing-along chorus to reflect on the importance of love and growth
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind