Yellow Ribbon
View chords used in this chart
Verse
C
I've traveled through this country
G
And I'll tell you what I've seen
A million yellow ribbons
C
And I wonder what they mean
F
It's love and hope and sympathy
C
For those who've gone to fight
D
But still I know that none of them
G G7
Can make the killing right
Verse
C
When we see two children fighting
G
Don't we try to come between
Get 'em both to talk
C
Instead of acting rough and mean
F
We give 'em love and limits
C
Say now try to get along
D
Then we tell 'em it's alright to kill
G G7
To prove that killing's wrong
Verse
C
Sometimes your yellow ribbon
G
Tries to make me feel ashamed
Tells me I'm a traitor
C
That somehow it's me to blame
F
But I can't hide behind it
C
Just to prove that I belong
D
And I won't be an accomplice
G G7
To a thing I know is wrong
Verse
C
But I'd wear a yellow ribbon
G
For the peace that's in my heart
I'd wear it for the loved ones
C
That should never have to part
F
I'd wear it for the wasted lives
C
No matter friend or foe
D
And I'd wear it for the children
G G7
If they never had to go
Verse
C
Yes, I've seen your yellow ribbons
G
Hanging up all over town
But I don't think they'll ever buy
C
The peace we've never found
Outro
F
Oh, the guns will all be silent
C
And the battle flags all furled
G G7
When we tie a yellow ribbon
C
'Round the world
F
Yes, the guns will all be silent
C
And the battle flags all furled
G G7
When we tie a yellow ribbon
C
'Round the world
How to play Yellow Ribbon
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.