Sheet music for “Yellow Ribbon” available from Utah Phillips & The Long Memory.
“Yellow Ribbon” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Performer: Utah Phillips.
Lyrics: Utah Phillips.
Tune: Utah Phillips.
I’ve traveled ’round the country and I’ll tell you what I’ve seen—
A million yellow ribbons—and I wondered what they mean.
It’s love and hope and sympathy for those who’ve gone to fight.
But still I know that none of these can make the killing right.
When we see two children fighting, don’t we try to come between?
We get ’em both to talking ’stead of acting rough and mean.
We give ’em love and limits, say “now, try to get along.”
Then we tell ’em its alright to kill to prove that killing’s wrong.
Sometimes that yellow ribbon tries to make me feel ashamed.
It tells me I’m a traitor, that somehow it’s me to blame.
But I can’t hide behind it just to prove that I belong.
And I won’t be an accomplice to things I know are wrong.
But I’d wear a yellow ribbon for the peace that’s in my heart.
I’d wear it for the loved ones who should never have to part.
I’d wear it for the wasted lives, no matter friend or foe.
And I’d wear it for the children if they never had to go.
Yes, I’ve seen the yellow ribbons hanging up all over town.
But I don’t think they’ll ever buy the peace we’ve never found.
The guns will all be silent and the battle flags all furled
When we tie a yellow ribbon ’round the world.
The guns will all be silent and the battle flags all furled
When we tie a yellow ribbon ’round the world.