3 Facts About the Working Title of 'Hey Jude'

The original working title was “Hey Jules” Paul McCartney wrote the song for Julian Lennon during his parents’ divorce and used “Hey Jules” as a placeholder.

McCartney changed “Jules” to “Jude” for sound and singability “Jules” didn’t roll off the tongue as well, while “Jude” (borrowed from the musical Oklahoma!) felt more natural to sing.

“Hey Jules” was a draft title, not an almost-final choice It was never seriously considered for release. The change was made early in the writing process, not a last-minute switch.