"Hey Jude" has transcended its status as a mere song to become a significant cultural artifact, its legacy extending far beyond its initial chart success. The narrative surrounding its creation, particularly its connection to Julian Lennon, has become a well-known piece of Beatles folklore. This enduring impact is evident in the high value placed on its memorabilia, the legal battles over ownership of its handwritten lyrics, and the ongoing discussions
about its songwriting credits. These facets collectively illustrate how "Hey Jude" continues to resonate, not just as a musical masterpiece, but as a touchstone in the history of one of the world's most influential bands.
The Personal Connection and Valued Memorabilia
The story behind "Hey Jude" is deeply personal, as it was written by Paul McCartney for Julian Lennon during his parents' separation. Paul Du Noyer, in a 1996 article for *Mojo*, noted that the writing of "Hey Jude" had become "one of the best-known stories in Beatles folklore." Yoko Ono, in a 2005 interview, expressed sympathy for all involved, describing the scenario as a drama where each person had reason to be "totally miserable." Cynthia Lennon, Julian's mother, reportedly found the song deeply moving, stating, "it always bring tears to my eyes, that song."
Julian Lennon himself discovered that the song was written for him almost two decades after its creation. He recalled a close relationship with McCartney, noting, "Paul and I used to hang about quite a bit – more than Dad and I did. We had a great friendship going and there seems to be far more pictures of me and Paul playing together at that age than there are pictures of me and my dad." This personal connection has imbued related memorabilia with significant value. In 1996, Julian Lennon successfully bid £25,000 (equivalent to approximately $60,000 in 2024) for the Beatles' recording notes for "Hey Jude" at an auction. He also spent an additional £35,000 (equivalent to about $84,000 in 2024) on other John Lennon memorabilia, with his manager stating these were "family heirlooms."
Legal Battles Over Handwritten Lyrics
The handwritten lyrics for "Hey Jude" have also been the subject of legal disputes, underscoring their perceived historical and monetary value. In 2002, the original handwritten lyrics were nearly auctioned off at Christie's in London. The sheet of notepaper, with its scrawled lyrics, was expected to fetch up to £80,000 (equivalent to approximately $179,054 in 2024). However, Paul McCartney went to court to halt the auction, claiming the paper had disappeared from his West London home. Christie's representative argued that McCartney had provided no evidence of his ownership of the specific piece of paper.
The courts ultimately sided with McCartney, prohibiting the sale of the lyrics. The item had been sent to Christie's by Florrent Tessier, a Frenchman who claimed to have purchased it at a London street market stall for just £10 (equivalent to about $171 in 2024) in the early 1970s. In the original auction catalogue, Julian Lennon had written, "It's very strange to think that someone has written a song about you. It still touches me." Despite the legal intervention, the allure of the lyrics persisted. In April 2020, handwritten lyrics used during the original recording of "Hey Jude" were successfully sold for $910,000 at auction via Julien's Auctions (equivalent to $1,130,000 in 2025).
Debates on Songwriting Credits
"Hey Jude" has also played a role in the ongoing discussion surrounding the official songwriting credits for Beatles songs. Along with "Yesterday," it is one of the songs McCartney has highlighted in his attempts to change some of the official Lennon–McCartney songwriting credits to McCartney–Lennon. McCartney applied this revised credit to "Hey Jude" and 18 other Lennon–McCartney songs on his 2002 live album, *Back in the U.S.* This move attracted criticism from Yoko Ono, as John Lennon's widow, and from Ringo Starr, the only other surviving member of the Beatles. The debate over these credits reflects the complex legacy of the songwriting partnership and the individual contributions of its members, with "Hey Jude" standing as a prominent example in this historical discussion.
