I love dozens of Beatles songs. Some make me crazy. Some change the color of the world. This one makes me cry. Almost every time.
Hey, Jude.
– 13 April 2009
I love dozens of Beatles songs. Some make me crazy. Some change the color of the world. This one makes me cry. Almost every time.
I know Paul wrote it for Julian, so I always hear Jules, and then that little boy in a bedroom being sung to as me, being advised. I hear him asking me to open up to let “her” in, meaning love, anger, fear. What life is.
Why does it make you cry you think?
Really, there’s two things. First, the melody. My body responds to it. There’s something effective about the mood and the tender imperative.
“Don’t make it bad. Take sad song and make it better.” and “Don’t be afraid.”
The thing is, I am afraid. I’m afraid of lot’s of stuff. And having someone so beautifully, so tenderly, tell me these things. It works for at least the moment I’m listening to the song.
Maybe it’s that parental voice I long for. I don’t know.
You’re right, though, it’s all those things Paul’s asking him to let in. Cause he can see the pain coming for Julian. But he knows there’s enough there to expand that to a public sentiment.
And I’m part of that private public. With my headphones on, trying for the strength and courage to take his advice.
And it’s more sad, now that I feel myself less willing to let “her” into my heart. (The her, in the sense you’ve articulated it.)
Great post, Amway.
T.
All this to a melody. A Beatles melody. The best kind.