They Call Me Mellow Yellow
I was 12 years old when Donovan came out with this song in 1966, the same year my gorgeous wife Maggie was born. If my math is correct, that would make me 12 years older than her which would also make my step-daughter reiterate the fact, “SEE… you ARE old!”
‘Mellow Yellow’ was one of the first songs I thought of when writing up this segment on the color yellow. All these years I thought of it as a cute, catchy, harmless little toe-tapping tune. Now I’m thinking they should call me ‘Very Naive‘.
Like I said in yesterday’s post, you’ve got to take up blogging as a hobby just for the wonderful, weird and wacky information you’ll accrue. In my time I’ve been known to entertain the occasional naughty thought or two, but there’s no way even I could have guessed the meaning of this song. If you’re good again today, I’ll expose the correct connotation of ‘Mellow Yellow’.
You know the drill… hold back on the age jokes and keep reading! 
The Yellow Rose of Texas
This was another song I considered using for this piece. For quite some time it has been considered as the unofficial state song for – you guessed it, Texas. My, you are razor-sharp today, aren’t you?
What you most likely did NOT know was that during the time the song was written in the mid-1800′s, the tag ‘Yellow Rose’ referred to a biracial lady, a mix of African-American and Caucasian. Legend has it that one such lady was single-handedly responsible for winning the war for Texas Independence from Mexico because she seduced Mexico’s leading general, thus allowing the battle to be won literally in minutes and with almost no casualties.
While historical accounts do not concur with this legend, it does make for some interesting reading, which leads us to another common term…
Yellow Journalism
The color yellow typically represents radiant warmth and friendliness. However, when one is accused of ‘yellow journalism’, there is nothing warm, fuzzy or even remotely complimentary. On the contrary, this form of writing refers to exaggerated, irresponsible and sensationalized reporting.
Since yellow is also associated with cowardice, yellow journalists are considered cowards because they use cheap tactics rather than honest, accurate reporting to lure more readers.
Back in the late 1800′s to early 1900′s when newspapers were the primary source of information, two major newspaper owners – east coast publisher Joseph Pulitzer and west coast publisher William Randolf Hearst – quite literally waged circulation war and would stop at nothing to increase their readership, and thus their profits. For example, during a heat wave in Manhattan, Pulitzer used the headline, “How Babies are Baked” to entice more readers.
Hearst answered by buying out one of Pulizter’s local newspaper competitors. Hearst then started paying enormous salaries in an attempt to steal Pulitzer’s top writers. The sensationalism and one-upmanship continued to escalate, each owner trying to top the other with increasingly outlandish headlines and copy.
Of course, this infuriated other smaller, more accountable newspapers. One small publisher in particular, Edwin Godkin referred to Pulitzer’s paper as a ‘yellow journal’, accusing the mogul of being a coward for using sleazy strategies. The term stuck.
Carefully Chosen Yellow Gifts Are Good!
The gift of flowers is considered by many as a terrific token of thoughtfulness. However, it’s most important to contemplate exactly what you are thinking before you give just any old thing. “It’s the thought that counts”, is a phrase designed to let otherwise thoughtless people off the hook.
For example, freedom and friendship are highlighted when you give yellow flowers. However, if your intentions are more on the romantic side, your object of affection may misread that yellow as a sign of cowardice. (For years, I wondered why I couldn’t manage to get or keep a relationship… people, if you’re experiencing the same difficulties, these are some clues!)
As for wearing yellow jewelry, use them when you want to influence and increase creativity, focus and mental acuity. Gem stones such as Amber, Florite, Calcite and Cat’s Eye worn at the pulse points (neckline, ankles, wrists, and ears) will stimulate clarity, cheerfulness and communication.
As always, remember to balance the use of yellow. Too much of the color leads to perfectionism and stubbornness, while too little may result in becoming isolated, insecure and depressed.
Tie A Yellow Ribbon
Yet another song I considered for this entry was the extremely popular, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” by Tony Orlando and Dawn first released back in February, 1973. To put this date into perspective, I was halfway through my second year of college while Maggie was halfway through second grade – as in grade school!
Hey, I warned you… watch those age jokes!
- Anyway, in this particular song, the yellow ribbon represents a ‘welcome-home’ sign for an ex-convict returning to his wife after spending three years in prison. Singapore has implemented a similar annual program, promoting a second chance in society for ex-convicts.
- Traditionally, the yellow ribbon has been used by the U.S. Military, again as a ‘welcome-home’ for soldiers returning from duty. This symbol actually dates back several centuries to Puritan times.
- In more recent years, yellow ribbons have been used by the U.S. as symbols of support for hostages and troops in the Middle East conflicts.
- The Yellow Ribbon is used to represent ‘Press Freedom’ in Malaysia
- Japan recognizes professionals who have become public role models by awarding them with a Medal of Honor featuring a yellow ribbon.
Yellow-Bellies Beware
OK, it’s time to reveal the true meaning of the song, “Mellow Yellow”. While I hesitate to lower myself to ‘yellow journalism’ to boost my readership, I certainly cannot back down from the challenge presented to me by my gorgeous wife to, “Put it in… I dare you.”
As you wish, Gorgeous!
You’ll recall in the video a scene depicting an ‘electric banana’. If you haven’t viewed the presentation yet, stop reading here and go watch.
It’s OK… we’ll wait…
You saw the video, right? No cheating, because you won’t appreciate the context unless you’ve seen it.
Now where were we… oh yeah, the ‘electric banana’. Apparently it’s the pride and joy of Saffron, the 14 year old girl mentioned in the song. This ‘electric banana’ is actually a vibrator (that’s right, the… ah-hem… adult toy).
And to think I went 43 years without knowing this! I’m so much the wiser now, just because I decided to write a little article on the color yellow.
Makes you want to start blogging, doesn’t it?
For those who just can’t get enough yellow:
Give Yellow Flowers With Confidence
Colors – The Unspoken Communicators
White
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet
Brown
Black
