Drum Sheet – The Beatles – Hey Jude

When The Beatles released “Hey Jude” in August 1968, it quickly became one of their most iconic and beloved songs. Written primarily by Paul McCartney, it was inspired by John Lennon’s son Julian, who was going through a difficult time as Lennon’s marriage to Cynthia was breaking apart. McCartney began writing the song as “Hey Jules,” a comforting message meant to lift the spirits of a young boy facing uncertainty. Over time, the name “Jules” evolved into the more flowing “Jude,” and the piece grew into a universal anthem of encouragement and resilience.

The composition itself followed an unusual structure for pop music of the time. Rather than a short, radio-friendly track, “Hey Jude” stretched to over seven minutes, with a long, emotional coda built around the repeated refrain “na-na-na.” McCartney brought the unfinished song to the rest of the band, and they worked together to shape it into the grand, communal experience that fans know today. Recording sessions began at Trident Studios in London, chosen for its eight-track facilities, which offered more flexibility than Abbey Road’s equipment at that time.

For fans of drumming, Ringo Starr’s contribution is fascinating. The song begins quietly, almost hesitantly, with McCartney alone at the piano. Ringo enters with remarkable restraint, choosing not to overplay. His touch is light, almost conversational, giving the verses a tender undercurrent. Then, when the song expands into its legendary coda, Starr shifts gears: his tom fills, steady snare, and cymbal crashes create a sense of rising power without overwhelming the melody. What makes his drumming in “Hey Jude” so brilliant is the balance—he knows exactly when to hold back and when to drive forward, giving the song both intimacy and grandeur.

“Hey Jude” was first performed live on television for Frost on Sunday in September 1968. The Beatles were joined by a live studio audience, who clapped and sang along during the extended coda, reinforcing the communal spirit of the track. This performance highlighted how Starr’s steady drumming anchored the swell of voices and instruments, keeping the song’s emotional journey cohesive from start to finish.

Today, “Hey Jude” remains one of The Beatles’ defining masterpieces. For drum fans, it’s a perfect example of Ringo Starr’s understated genius: his drumming doesn’t call attention to itself, but without it, the song would lack its pulse, its build, and its unforgettable sense of release.