Julian Lennon admits he was 'driven up the wall' by Beatles song 'Hey Jude'.
The 60-year-old musician is the son of the late Fab Four legend John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia Powell, and Sir Paul McCartney wrote the ballad – originally titled 'Hey Jules' – to try to comfort Julian, then five , after John. divorced his wife in May 1968 due to his affair with Japanese artist Yoko Ono.
Julian remains touched that Paul – who came up with the lyrics as he traveled to see Cynthia and her son at their home in Weybridge after their split – wrote him a song, but 45 years on it can be frustrating to constantly be the listen and I got to talk about the track with the fans.
In an interview with Esquire, he said: “It was 'Hey Jules' at first, but it didn't fit well rhythmically. “Hey Jude” was a better performance.
“Paul wrote it to comfort mom, but also to comfort me. It's a beautiful feeling, no doubt about it, and I'm very grateful – but it's also driven me up the wall.
“I love the fact that he wrote a song about me and mum, but depending on what side of the bed you woke up on and where you hear it, it can be good or a bit disappointing. But in my heart, there's not a bad word I could say about it.”
Julian, however, stressed that the song means more to him now than it ever has, because the lyrics about dealing with a sad situation and making it better are still very painful for him.
He continued: “At first I think the concept of the song was about mom. But then it came to me, and what the hell I would have to deal with later in life.
[Paul] It wasn't a mistake… It wasn't smooth sailing in any way, shape or form. I've always had a brave face for the most part, but it's been a traumatic life. No question about it. I have worked my way through all these episodes and traumas.
“I think that's the saving grace of getting old – although I hate even using the word old. Age means nothing to me. Age, to me, as long as you're healthy enough and of sound mind for the most part, is about wisdom and experience and how things relate to you now and what's important in life now.
“Hey Jude” probably means more to me now than ever.