Inappropriate symbology

[jbsegal]

I've been meaning to look this up for years, on and off. The current round of Yellow Ribbons has really been making me wonder...so google to the rescue...everyone using yellow ribbons to signal that they're waiting for someone to return is also signaling that the person they're waiting for is a criminal. There's nothing in the song to say "I didn't do it" or "It wasn't my fault", there's only "I've been in jail for 3 years. If you didn't want to wait, I understand, it's all my fault anyway."

Good message for a hostage or a soldier.

"Words and Music by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown, copyright 1972; performed by Tony Orlando and Dawn, 1973. This song began to be used for patriotic purposes approximately 8 years after it's initial release."

I'm comin' home, I've done my time
Now I've got to know what is and isn't mine
If you received my letter telling you I'd soon be free
Then you'll know just what to do
If you still want me
If you still want me

Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree
It's been three long years
Do ya still want me? (still want me)
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
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree

Bus driver, please look for me
'cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see
I'm really still in prison
And my love, she holds the key
A simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free
I wrote and told her please

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