About he song
“Check Yes or No,” a classic in the country music lexicon, epitomizes the heartfelt storytelling and timeless appeal of George Strait. Written by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, the song was released in September 1995 as the lead single from Strait’s box set “Strait Out of the Box.” It quickly ascended to the top of the U.S. Billboard country chart and the Canadian RPM country chart, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a chart-topping hit.
The song’s narrative unfolds with the innocence of childhood romance, as two schoolchildren navigate their burgeoning feelings through love notes and playful interactions on the playground. It captures the purity and simplicity of young love, a theme that resonates universally across generations. By the second verse, the storyline matures, shifting to celebrate the enduring love story of the same couple, now happily married after two decades—a testament to the song’s enduring message of lasting commitment.
Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, both Nashville songwriters, crafted “Check Yes or No” as their debut major artist recording, showcasing their talent for poignant storytelling and melodic charm. George Strait, upon hearing the song, immediately recognized its potential, drawn to its nostalgic lyrics and upbeat melody. Recorded at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville, the song embodies Strait’s signature warmth and charm, perfectly suited for country radio.
Critically acclaimed upon its release, “Check Yes or No” was praised by Deborah Evans Price of Billboard for its irresistible melody and Strait’s impeccable delivery. It became a fixture on country radio and garnered accolades including Single of the Year from both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM).
Beyond its initial success, “Check Yes or No” continues to resonate deeply with audiences, remaining one of George Strait’s most streamed and beloved singles. It has inspired covers by notable artists like Kane Brown, Austin Mahone, and Scotty McCreery, the latter performing it at the request of George Strait himself during his American Idol tenure. The song’s influence extends to contemporary artists such as Florida Georgia Line, who reference it as a nod to its enduring impact on country music culture.
In essence, “Check Yes or No” encapsulates the essence of George Strait’s enduring appeal—timeless storytelling, heartfelt sincerity, and melodies that linger in the hearts of listeners, ensuring its place as a cherished classic in the annals of country music history.
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