Julian Lennon has once again discussed his relationship with The Beatles' 'Hey Jude', saying he was 'driven up the wall' by the classic song.
During a new interview with esteemed sirmusician and son of late Beatles icon John Lennon recalled how Paul McCartney wrote the non-album single in 1968 about John's split with Julian's mother Cynthia.
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The couple had divorced and John began a relationship with Yoko Ono, whom he married in 1969.
“It was 'Hey Jules' at first, but it didn't fit well rhythmically,” Julian explained. “Hey Jude” was a better performance.”
And he continued: “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 added: “The lyrics are relevant even now. They are meant to make life better and take the weight off my shoulders, especially in the path I took as a musician – following dad. It's like, what are you, crazy? Why do this?
“I chose the hardest path known to mankind to follow, but that's why after 30 years of music I felt it was time to follow some other dreams I had. Photography and many other things.”
He continued: “Music will always be in my blood and that's partly down to dad and partly down to the Beatles, especially after watching Come back.”
Julian later told the report: “The funny thing about the public is that they think it's cute sometimes, quoting 'Hey Jude' to me, but I don't think they realize there's a lot of pain behind what happened. Every time you bring it up, it reminds me of my mother's separation from my father, the love that was lost, the fact that I rarely saw my father again.
“I saw him maybe a few times before he died. Many people don't understand how intense, how emotional and how personal this is. It's not just a 'pick yourself up, dust yourself off and be happy'. There is deep emotional pain. I can celebrate that – but it's also something that will always be dark to me.”
He concluded: “It is not a position where there is forgiveness. It was just a time and a place in my life where things happened. Who knows if I've run into this? Maybe I haven't. Do I need treatment? No, I think life is enough therapy. So, it's strange.”
Earlier this year, Julian admitted he had a 'love-hate' relationship with 'Hey Jude'. He said the track was a “vivid and dark reminder” of what had happened between his parents.
