Coming Home

My English essay. Subject: song analysis.

     A most exceptional feeling a man or woman may experience is the nostalgia of returning home. Not commonly felt by the everyday person, a veteran appreciates this feeling more and more as more time passes by when away from the nest. The reward? Seeing loved ones! In the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” originally performed by Dawn (featuring Tony Orlando) in 1973, a man describes his anticipation after three long years away. This reflects the passion he has for his loved one, the commitment he has stood by, and his selflessness to let her choose their fate together.
     Many songs tribute loved ones, although this stands out in the way he expresses his trust. Communication and trust are arguably the most important aspects of a relationship. When these strenuous characteristics are well established, love comes naturally (whereas being in love takes even more work). That said, the narrator of this musical adventure seeks comfort when he arrives home, and he hopes for this based on his trust that she still loves him. But like a man, a manly man, he and his heart are prepared for the worst: “If I don’t see a ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree; I’ll stay on the bus; forget about us; put the blame on me.” Based on personal experience, letting a loved one go is a true reflection of love, demonstrating that his love for her is greater than his selfish desire to hold on to something which may no longer be there. That is passion.
     Many fans became passionate (more or less) for the tune after its release, including many talented musicians who covered the song, including Frank Sinatra. What also increased with the song’s fame was its interpretation; originally, the song describes a prisoner returning home: “I’ve done my time […] If you received my letter telling you I’d soon be free […] It’s been three long years […] I’m really still in prison, and my love, she holds the key.” When I was growing up and first heard this song, my mother told me it was attributed to the soldiers coming home from the war. Which war, she didn’t say, but given the year of publication, it could have ranged from any number of the wars in the Middle East to Vietnam. Details aside, the song’s popularity rose due to its nature of welcoming back loved ones. Regardless of the narrator’s whereabouts, it is easy to identify he had kept in contact, proving his commitment to someone who had the choice of letting go of him. Every man knows (or should know) that at any time, his girl may question the relationship, which may then lead to devastating downfall of arguments and tragedies; worsened if the relationship is long distance and with little communication. But we know that he has instilled his trust in her, so we feel his confidence and commitment for her.
     As a sign for her commitment for him, he asks for a yellow ribbon to be tied around a tree (hence the name of the song). Sources do not point to a distinctive origin for ribbons being worn or tied somewhere, but the notable points of reference include a song titled “Round Her Neck She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" by Sidney Robertson Cowell in 1938, a movie by the same title starring John Wayne in 1949, and has even been traced back through folk tales to the Civil War. Gerald E. Parsons argues the strongest piece of evidence includes Star Wormwood, a book on prison reform written in 1959. The passage of interest is, “‘There it is,’ he cried. ‘It's all right! The whole tree is white with ribbons’” (Parsons). Where ever the origin, popularity of the concept grew orally. The “yellow” aspect came from a yellow handkerchief told in another convict-returning-home story, which happened to be hung on an oak tree. Progressing into 1973, we find “Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown register[ing] for copyright a song they called ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’Round the Ole Oak Tree’” (Parsons). The symbolism for the yellow ribbon grew enormously after the invasion of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979, when in an article by the Washington Post, we see the ribbon tied around a tree being used for their collective condolences of the hostages. For as many readers as there were, the ribbon can be confidently described as a national symbol.
     Admittedly, the Iranian invasion does proceed the original airdate of the song, but the relevance and historical value of the information is comforting to know. What is more comforting is the resolution of the song: “And I can't believe I see; A hundred yellow ribbons 'round the ole oak tree.” When he put his trust in her to make the right decision for the both of them, his reward is beyond his imagination. His intention comes purely from the heart. A song simply about how excited a man would be to see his girl does not compare; this man acts on the principle of putting his girl’s happiness first. If she is happier without him, if she moved on, then the best is what she deserves. Instead, true love in this fictional story prevails: a hundred yellow ribbons were tied around the ole oak tree.
     The bounciness of the song lends to the predictable resolution. The first bridge indicates there is speculation, as he repeats, “If you still want me; if you still want me,” which gives the song itself more character. We become as suspicious as he is. This, in true poetic fashion, is oxymoronic of the bounciness of the tune.
     This has been cited as a memorable song by many elderly people. It is easy to understand why: it was a popular tune and it represented the joyous resolutions and reunited loved one during its time. It reflects a man’s love; not only his, but the dear sentiment about his girl. As there simply are not songs like this in today’s culture, spreading the knowledge and character of this one is ever more valuable.