Harry Connick, Jr.：Meaning of Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree Songmeaning

The song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" was originally written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown and released in 1973. However, Harry Connick, Jr. also recorded his own version of the song, which became popular. The lyrics depict a story of a person who is coming home after being away for some time, presumably from prison. The individual is uncertain if their loved one still wants them and hopes to see a yellow ribbon tied around an old oak tree as a sign of welcome and acceptance. The yellow ribbon symbolizes a personal connection and hope for reconciliation. In the song, the protagonist writes a letter to their loved one, explaining that they will soon be free and asking if they are still wanted. They request the bus driver to let them know if they see a yellow ribbon tied around the tree. If there is no ribbon, it suggests that the loved one no longer wants them, and the protagonist will continue on the bus, accepting the blame for the failed relationship. However, as the bus approaches its destination, the protagonist looks out the window and is amazed to see not just one, but a hundred yellow ribbons tied around the old oak tree. This signifies that the loved one still wants them, and the whole bus celebrates the reunion. Overall, the song is about hope, forgiveness, and the desire for a second chance in love. It portrays the anxieties and uncertainties surrounding coming back into someone's life after being away for a long time. The yellow ribbon acts as a visual symbol of love, acceptance, and forgiveness in the song's narrative.