Skip to main content
Tags: yellow ribbon | tony orlando | war | pow

Tony Orlando to Newsmax: Yellow Ribbon Brings 'Déjà Vu,' Hope

By    |   Saturday, 16 December 2023 02:12 PM EST

Singer Tony Orlando told Newsmax that his decades-old hit "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" brings feelings of déjà vu after seeing the results of war after war.

Speaking with "Saturday Report," Orlando says, "It's a little bit of déjà vu going on because the first time that song ever brought anybody home was for our hostages on a world scale. Of course, it was the POWs before that, but in a very similar way, the world had hostages for those 444 days; for those who are held in Iran reminds me of that."

"And when I was in Israel in 2014 for the last war," Orlando continues, "where Hamas killed three young boys who were kidnapped from school, ribbons were being tied then too. So, I know it's on a broader scale now. I have friends in Israel. They send me pictures, and it's really an honor and a privilege to have been the mailman that delivered the letter to such an unbelievable symbol of hope and freedom."

The song, popularized by the group Tony Orlando and Dawn, was written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown and tells the story of a POW returning home. Before he returns home, he writes to his love, asking her to tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree in front of her house if she still wants him. If he doesn't see a ribbon, he'll stay on the bus and understand that she doesn't want him back. But upon his return, he finds not just one but a "hundred yellow ribbons" tied around the tree.

"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" topped the U.S. pop charts on April 21, 1973.

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

  • Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
  • Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE -- See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com

Nick Koutsobinas

Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.

Newsmax-Tv
Singer Tony Orlando told Newsmax that his decades-long hit "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" brings feelings of déjà vu after seeing the results of war after war.
yellow ribbon, tony orlando, war, pow
340
2023-12-16
Saturday, 16 December 2023 02:12 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved