Although most widely associated with Tony Orlando and Dawn, who scored a worldwide No. 1 hit with it in 1973, the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” was also recorded by other groups of the era – including the British pop group Brotherhood of Man.
Brotherhood of Man, best known for their Eurovision-winning track “Save Your Kisses for Me” (1976), included “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” in their repertoire during the 1970s. Their version carried the same warm, singalong quality that made the original a cultural anthem, reflecting themes of love, forgiveness, and the longing for reunion.
The lyrics tell the touching story of a man returning home after serving time away, unsure if he is still welcome. The yellow ribbon becomes a symbol of hope and acceptance – a simple yet powerful gesture that resonated deeply with audiences around the world.
Brotherhood of Man – Tie A Yellow Ribbon
The song was written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown, inspired by stories of soldiers returning home from war and the tradition of yellow ribbons as a sign of welcome.
Brotherhood of Man recorded many cover versions of popular hits in addition to their original songs, helping cement their reputation as one of the UK’s most versatile vocal groups of the 1970s.
“Tie a Yellow Ribbon” went beyond music, becoming a cultural symbol during events such as the Iran Hostage Crisis (1979–81) and the Gulf War (1990–91), when families tied yellow ribbons to trees as a sign of waiting for loved ones.
