Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round The Ole Oak Tree - lyrics

Writers: Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown
Vocals: Tony Orlando & Dawn



Released in 1973, this song was a worldwide hit for the group Dawn (featuring Tony Orlando). It reached number one on both the US and UK charts for four weeks in April 1973, number one on the Australian charts for seven weeks from May to July 1973 and number one on the New Zealand charts for ten weeks from June to August 1973. It was the top-selling single in 1973 in both the US and UK.

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 tellin’ you I’d soon be free
Then you’ll know just what to do if you still want me
If you still want me

Oh, tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the old oak tree
It’s been three long years
Do you still want me?
If I don’t see a ribbon ‘round the old 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 old 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

Oh, tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the old oak tree
It’s been three long years
Do you still want me?
If I don’t see a ribbon ‘round the old 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 old oak tree

Now the whole damn bus is cheering
And I can’t believe I see
A hundred yellow ribbons ‘round the old oak tree