About the song
“Check Yes or No”, a charming country classic by George Strait, encapsulates the innocence and sweetness of young love evolving into lifelong commitment. Released in September 1995 as the lead single from his box set “Strait Out of the Box”, the song quickly ascended to the top of both the U.S. Billboard country chart and the Canadian RPM country chart, solidifying its status as a beloved hit.
The narrative of “Check Yes or No” unfolds like a nostalgic storybook. Written by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, the song portrays the endearing tale of two schoolchildren navigating their budding feelings for each other through innocent gestures like passing notes and flirting on the playground. As the song progresses, it leaps forward to the present day, celebrating the enduring love and commitment shared by the now-adult couple, who have been married for two decades.
Black and Wells, both Nashville songwriters, crafted the song’s heartfelt lyrics and catchy chorus, which struck a chord with Strait from the moment he first heard it. Recorded at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville, the song showcases Strait’s signature warmth and charm, complemented by an upbeat melody tailor-made for country radio. Its appeal transcends generations, resonating with listeners for its universal theme of love and nostalgia.
Critically acclaimed, “Check Yes or No” earned high praise from Billboard magazine for its melodic appeal and Strait’s emotive delivery. It became a perennial favorite on country radio and garnered numerous accolades, including CMA and ACM Awards for Single of the Year. Even in the streaming age, the song remains a standout in Strait’s repertoire, continuing to attract significant airplay and maintaining its status as a listener favorite.
The song’s enduring popularity is further underscored by its influence beyond Strait’s rendition. Artists like Kane Brown, Austin Mahone, and Scotty McCreery have paid homage with their covers, reflecting its timeless appeal and cultural significance. The song’s music video, featuring Michael Ray Ryan and Dawn Waggoner, brought its nostalgic storyline to life, resonating with fans through its heartfelt depiction of young romance.
In essence, “Check Yes or No” stands as a testament to George Strait’s enduring impact on country music and his ability to capture the essence of love in its purest form. Its legacy as a classic country hit continues to thrive, ensuring its place in the hearts of listeners who cherish its heartfelt storytelling and timeless melody.
Video
Lyrics
It started way back in third grade
I used to sit beside Emmylou Hayes
A pink dress, a matching bow in her ponytail
She kissed me on the school bus but told me not to tell
Next day I chased her ’round the playground
‘Cross the monkey bars to the merry-go-round
And Emmylou got caught passing me a note
Before the teacher took it I read what she wrote
“Do you love me? Do you wanna be my friend?
And if you do
Well then don’t be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to
I think this is how love goes
Check yes or no”
Now we’re grown up and she’s my wife
Still like two kids with stars in our eyes
Ain’t much changed, I still chase Emmylou
Up and down the hall, around the bed in our room
Last night I took her out in a white limousine
Twenty years together she still gets to me
Can’t believe it’s been that long ago
When we got started with just a little note
“Do you love me? Do you wanna be my friend?
And if you do
Well then don’t be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to
I think this is how love goes
Check yes or no”
“Do you love me? Do you wanna be my friend?
And if you do
Well then don’t be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to
I think this is how love goes
Check yes or no”
Check yes or no
Check yes or no
Check yes or no
Check yes or no