Julian Lennon’s Touching Birthday Tribute to His “Uncle” Paul McCartney
Julian Lennon, the son of late Beatles legend John Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his “Uncle Paul” — Sir Paul McCartney — in celebration of the music icon’s 82nd birthday. The post, shared on June 18 via X (formerly Twitter), melted the hearts of Beatles fans around the world.
“Hoppy Birdy, Uncle Paul! Only love… Jude x,” Julian wrote, sharing a moving video montage of himself as a child with McCartney. The clip, set to the timeless Beatles anthem “Hey Jude”, features a series of nostalgic photos that beautifully capture the special bond between the two.
A Tribute Wrapped in Memories
The montage begins with a photo of a young McCartney sitting beside little Julian on a sunny patch of grass — a moment of warmth and innocence frozen in time. The next image shows the two walking together, followed by a snapshot of them laughing by the sea. The video closes with McCartney carrying a smiling Julian, embodying the tenderness and affection that defined their relationship.
Fans around the world reacted emotionally to the post, with one commenting, “Awww. Hey Jude. I’m crying.” and another writing, “Beautiful tribute to Paul, Julian.” The video quickly spread across social media, reminding millions of the profound personal connection that helped inspire one of the most beloved songs in music history.
The Real Story Behind “Hey Jude”
In a recent episode of Paul McCartney: A Life in Lyrics on iHeartRadio, McCartney confirmed that Julian was indeed the inspiration behind “Hey Jude.” The song was written during a difficult time in the Lennon family’s life, after John and Cynthia’s separation.
“I was traveling one day to see Julian Lennon and his mother Cynthia,” McCartney recalled. “I used to call him Jules. So the song started off as I was in the car driving out — about a 45-minute drive out of central London. People thought I fancied Cynthia, but I didn’t. I was just going out as a friend — to see them, to comfort them.”
McCartney explained that the song began as “Hey Jules” — a message meant to uplift a young boy facing his parents’ divorce. “In my mind, I’m thinking, ‘Hey Jules, don’t make it bad. I know this is tough for you, but take a sad song and make it better.’ It was an encouraging song. I wanted him to know love could heal him.”
Eventually, “Hey Jules” evolved into “Hey Jude,” a change McCartney said came naturally as he shaped the melody and lyrics. “Remember to let her under your skin, and then you begin to make it better,” he sang — transforming personal comfort into universal hope.
A Bond Beyond the Beatles
Though decades have passed since The Beatles disbanded, the enduring friendship between McCartney and Julian has remained a poignant reminder of the humanity that existed behind the fame. Theirs was a relationship that survived loss, time, and history — grounded in affection that began when McCartney was just “Uncle Paul,” not one of the most famous musicians on earth.
From childhood photos in Greece to heartfelt birthday tributes in the digital age, the connection between Julian Lennon and Paul McCartney continues to echo the same message that inspired “Hey Jude” — that love, in all its forms, is what truly makes life better.