这首歌的背景故事源自于一个真实的故事，讲述了一个服刑人员在即将出狱时对爱情和家庭的渴望。他写信给他的爱人，请求她在他们家的老橡树上系一条黄色的丝带，如果她仍然爱他并愿意接纳他回家的话。这个故事后来被改编成歌曲，并广为流传。
歌词描述了主人公在经历了长时间的监禁后，怀着忐忑的心情返回家乡。他在信中请求爱人用黄色丝带来表达她的感情。如果他在老橡树上看到黄色丝带，他就知道爱人仍然爱他，他会下车回家；如果没有看到，他将选择继续留在公交车上，放弃这段感情。
I'm coming 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
这几句歌词表达了主人公已经完成了他的刑期，现在正准备回家，但他不确定是否还能回到原来的生活。他希望爱人能按照他的信中的要求去做，以表明她是否还爱着他。
Well 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
这些歌词进一步强调了黄色丝带的重要性。它象征着爱人的决定和他们的未来。如果看不到丝带，主人公将选择继续前行，独自面对未来。
Bus driver please look for me
'Cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see
Now I'm really still in prison
And my love he holds the key
A simple yellow ribbon is what I need to set me free
这里表达了主人公内心的紧张和不安，他害怕看到失望的结果。他觉得自己虽然身体上已经自由，但心灵上仍被囚禁，只有黄色丝带才能真正解放他。
I wrote and told him please
Well 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
再次强调了主人公对黄色丝带的期待和他对未来的不确定性。
Now the whole darn bus is cheering
And I can't believe I see
A hundred yellow ribbons 'round the old oak tree
最后，主人公看到了满树的黄色丝带，这意味着爱人不仅原谅了他，而且热烈欢迎他的归来。整个公交车上的人都为他欢呼，这一刻充满了希望和喜悦。