The popular Beatles song “Hey Jude” appears for a particular reason in Ted Lasso season 3. Ted Lasso has been highly successful for Apple TV Plus since it debuted in 2020 and has featured other references to The Beatles in previous episodes. As far back as Ted Lasso‘s first episode, Ted mentions to Rebecca when they met that he always wanted to see Abbey Road. Abbey Road is the name of one of The Beatles’ most successful albums and where the band took the iconic album cover photo walking across the street.
The Beatles’ single “Hey Jude” did not appear on any of their official LPs but was written and recorded during The White Album’s sessions. The song was later released on a compellation album of their music from 1967-1970, commonly referred to as The Blue Album, which came out three years after The Beatles broke up. Over 50 years later, the power and influence of The Beatles is still felt in modern culture and entertainment. “Hey Jude” was a perfect choice to include in Ted Lasso season 3. episode 8, “We’ll Never Have Paris,” because the meaning of its lyrics precisely applied to Ted’s son Henry’s situation dealing with the divorce of his parents.
The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” Song Meaning Explained
“Hey Jude” was written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s son, Julian. Paul had initially used the name “Jules” when writing the song but decided that Jude fit and sounded better. Lennon and his wife at the time, Cynthia Powell, were getting a divorce, and Paul felt terribly for the innocent Julian. Lennon was leaving Powell, Julian’s mother, for Yoko Ono, which caused a lot of friction and turmoil in Lennon’s personal life and with the band. Paul had deep sympathy for kids of divorce and wrote the song for Julian so that he would remain hopeful during the sad and challenging transition.
Coach Beard took the opportunity in Ted Lasso to explain the song’s meaning to Henry while Ted stepped away for a phone call with Rebecca. It’s an important lesson for Henry to learn in the show so that he can remain hopeful, as Paul’s lyrics in the song suggest. By including the live performance of “Hey Jude,” Ted Lasso made the moment for Henry intimate and powerful. Henry listens to the words for the first time and realizes that the song is also written for him. He is Jude and Julian and must try to keep his head up despite the difficult circumstances between his parents.
Who Sings “Hey Jude” In Ted Lasso Season 3
Alex Vargas sings and performs “Hey Jude” on acoustic guitar in Ted Lasso. Vargas is a Danish singer who formed the UK band Vagabond. Vargas was a fan of Ted Lasso’s first two seasons before he was asked to make a cameo in season 3, and was also a lifelong lover of The Beatles. Vargas has also done live performances at The Prince’s Head in Richmond, London, England, which is also known as the fictional pub The Crown and Anchor on Ted Lasso. Vargas’ rendition of “Hey Jude” can be streamed on Apple Music along with his new album Big, Big Machine.
“Hey Jude” is one of the many great songs featured in Ted Lasso that contribute to its overall quality and narrative. What begins as a heartfelt message from Coach Beard to Henry ends in a joyous chorus, with Ted running back to sing along with his son. It’s one of many tender moments that define Ted Lasso and is a powerful reminder to take a sad song and make it better. The inspiring lyrics of “Hey Jude” make the Ted Lasso scene wholesome by reminding Henry that he’s not alone and that things will get better if he doesn’t get discouraged.
New episodes of Ted Lasso season 3 release Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
