Interpretation
The song lyrics "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" by
Wise Guys is about a man who is released from prison and returns home. He is unsure if his lover is still waiting for him and if she still wants him. That's why he asks her to tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree to show him that she still loves him and is waiting for him.
The lyrics start with the singer announcing that he is coming home after serving his time in prison. He wants to know if his lover is still waiting for him and if she has received his letters. He asks her to tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree if she still wants him.
"Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree
It's been three long years
Do you still want me?"
The man acknowledges his mistakes and explains that he is still in prison, but his love for her is strong. He says that a simple yellow ribbon would be enough to set him free.
"I made mistakes, I paid the fee.
But I have to know if she's still here for me
You see, I'm really still in prison
And my love, she holds the key.
A simple yellow ribbon's all I need to set me free."
As the man travels home on a bus, he asks the bus driver to look out for the ribbon. To his surprise, he sees the whole bus cheering and hundreds of yellow ribbons tied around the old oak tree. This shows him that his lover has waited for him and still loves him.
"Now the whole damned bus is cheerin'
And I can't believe I see...
A hundred yellow ribbons round the old oak tree...!"
The song lyrics are a metaphor for hope and trust in a love that is strong enough to withstand separation. The yellow ribbon symbolizes the connection and the waiting for the loved one. It is about being able to still be loved and accepted even after difficult times.