Looked up the lyrics. It does indeed mention prison. Never liked the stupid song anyway……and now I need to sing my jingle buster so I can get on with the day in peace.
The girl that killed my wife in a car accident was sentenced to 3 years with hard labor with tough, but fair conditions of parole. I’m happy to say that she fulfilled the conditions of her sentence and has a good life from the last I heard. I only mention this to show that one can be in prison for 3 years doing things less than armed robbery or worse. Also, just because one serves time in prison does not mean that the person is a risk to family or society.
The original story that inspired this song was about a Union soldier that had been released from a Confederate prison. It was originally a stage coach rather than a bus. The tree was in the town square, not in front of the house. So now you know.
It is about a soldier. The song was re-released during Viet Nam. Why do you idiots think the “Support the Troops” ribbon magnets on the back ot cars were originally YELLOW?Get a clue.
“The yellow ribbon— has long been a symbol of support for absent or missing loved ones. There are some who believe that the tradition of the yellow ribbon dates back as far as the Civil War era, when a yellow ribbon in a woman’s hair indicated that she was “taken” by a man who was absent due to service in the United States Army Cavalry. But research by professional folklorists has found no evidence to support that story. The Library of Congress itself traces the cultural ubiquity of this powerful symbol to the well-known song by Tony Orlando and Dawn: “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree,” which topped the U.S. pop charts on this day in 1973."
Hillbillyman about 11 years ago
When I hear that song I always try too imagine that he was falsely accused. Other wise I have the same sentiments as @simpsonfan2
TLH1310 Premium Member about 11 years ago
Was he in jail? I was told the song was written during the Vietnam War, and he was being discharged/coming home after 3 years.
ART Thompson Premium Member about 11 years ago
and I thought it went back to WWII…
finale about 11 years ago
Not for lack of awareness in most cases.
Thehag about 11 years ago
Looked up the lyrics. It does indeed mention prison. Never liked the stupid song anyway……and now I need to sing my jingle buster so I can get on with the day in peace.
RussHeim about 11 years ago
Maybe the “three long years” was his hitch in the Army.
Emlyn Premium Member about 11 years ago
According to them, everybody in prison is innocent.
kaecispopX about 11 years ago
The girl that killed my wife in a car accident was sentenced to 3 years with hard labor with tough, but fair conditions of parole. I’m happy to say that she fulfilled the conditions of her sentence and has a good life from the last I heard. I only mention this to show that one can be in prison for 3 years doing things less than armed robbery or worse. Also, just because one serves time in prison does not mean that the person is a risk to family or society.
R0Randy about 11 years ago
Military might be a good explanation if not for:
I’m really still in prison, and my love she holds the keyA simple yellow ribbon’s what I need to set me free
R0Randy about 11 years ago
The original story that inspired this song was about a Union soldier that had been released from a Confederate prison. It was originally a stage coach rather than a bus. The tree was in the town square, not in front of the house. So now you know.
LOWRIDER84 about 11 years ago
It is about a soldier. The song was re-released during Viet Nam. Why do you idiots think the “Support the Troops” ribbon magnets on the back ot cars were originally YELLOW?Get a clue.
Rottiluv about 11 years ago
“The yellow ribbon— has long been a symbol of support for absent or missing loved ones. There are some who believe that the tradition of the yellow ribbon dates back as far as the Civil War era, when a yellow ribbon in a woman’s hair indicated that she was “taken” by a man who was absent due to service in the United States Army Cavalry. But research by professional folklorists has found no evidence to support that story. The Library of Congress itself traces the cultural ubiquity of this powerful symbol to the well-known song by Tony Orlando and Dawn: “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree,” which topped the U.S. pop charts on this day in 1973."
Library of Congress
So no, it has nothing to do with prison.