Lyrics & Story
Symbolism & Meaning
Video & Performance
Culture & History
Welcome Back & Emotions
100

How many years was the man "doing time"?

Three years

100

What does a yellow ribbon symbolize in the song?

Forgiveness and welcome back

100

Where does most of the video happen?

On the bus

100

When did the story start?

55 years ago (1970)

100

What emotion does the song mainly express?  

Hope, anxiety, and joy

200

What kind of tree is mentioned in the lyrics?

Oak tree

200

What does the number of ribbons at the end mean?

He’s very much wanted back

200

What is the color of the clothes the guy is wearing in the video?

A dark blue suit with a colorful tie

200

How did Americans relate to the song?

Because of war and veterans returning to the USA

200

How can this song be related to returning to school?

It shows how good it feels to be welcomed back

300

How many yellow ribbons were tied around the trees?

A hundred

300

What does “I've done my time” mean in the song?

Serving time in prison

300

What was his wife's hair color?

Blonde

300

How has the yellow ribbon been used outside the song?

To welcome back soldiers, students or loved ones

300

According to the video, how would you decorate a classroom to welcome someone back?

With yellow ribbons, music, or snacks

400

At the end of the video, when the bus is about to get close to their house, the people in the bus were...

Cheering

400

Why does the man ask the bus driver to look for him?

He’s too nervous and scared of rejection

400

What's written on the letter?

The lyrics

400

What was the main purpose of the Yellow Ribbons?

To show the man was welcomed back home.

400

What lesson about kindness does this story teach?

Simple actions (like a ribbon) can carry big emotional meaning

500

Why doesn’t he ask for a letter back?

A ribbon is public and visible—it’s a clear, non-verbal sign

500

What does “stay on the bus” mean symbolically?

To move on without trying to reconnect

500

What musical instruments are featured in the song? (At least 2)

Drums, bass, guitar, piano, and vocals

500

What year was the song released?

1973


500

At Teens American School, why do we tie the ribbons around, after July recess?

To Welcome Back the students.



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