Hey Jude Trivia Questions

"American Pie" by Don McLean is 8:33 and topped the Hot 100 in 1972, proving longer #1 hits exist. "Hey Jude" was a record-breaker in 1968 but not the all-time longest.

Paul McCartney wrote it to console five-year-old Julian during his parents' divorce. He changed 'Jules' to 'Jude' because it sounded better and was inspired by the musical 'Oklahoma!'

The recording spanned multiple days, with the basic rhythm track requiring several takes (take 4 was selected), then extensive overdubs of vocals, backing vocals, and a 36-piece orchestra were added.

The 400 million viewer milestone belongs to the Beatles' 1967 'Our World' broadcast of 'All You Need Is Love.' 'Hey Jude' debuted on TV in 1968 during a UK-only 'Frost on Sunday' episode with a far smaller audience.

The song's total length is 7:11, and the repeated 'na-na-na' section begins around 2:58, making it roughly 4 minutes and 13 seconds—longer than many radio hits.

The orchestra part was carefully arranged by George Martin and overdubbed later. The musicians were instructed to clap and sing along, but it wasn't improvised on the first take.

Actually, it was issued in both mono and stereo. The mono mix was standard for singles at the time, though the stereo version is now more famous.

Lennon actually praised the song, calling it one of McCartney's best. He did say 'granny music' about other Beatles songs, but not this one—he even suggested extending the coda.