About the song
“Check Yes or No” by George Strait, penned by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, is a timeless country classic that captures the innocence and enduring love of childhood sweethearts. 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.
The narrative of “Check Yes or No” unfolds with the charm of young romance, depicting two schoolchildren who exchange love notes and flirt on the playground. The simplicity and sweetness of their budding affection are encapsulated in the chorus where they ask each other to “check yes or no” if they like each other. The song’s second verse fast-forwards to the present day, celebrating their enduring love story after two decades of marriage, highlighting the nostalgic journey from youthful innocence to lasting commitment.
For songwriters Wells and Black, “Check Yes or No” marked a significant milestone as their first song to be recorded by a major artist. The idea for the song had been brewing for some time before coming to fruition in a collaborative session at the ASCAP offices in Nashville. George Strait, known for his keen ear for hits, immediately recognized the song’s potential and recorded it at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville on April 10, 1995.
Critically acclaimed upon its release, the song was praised by Deborah Evans Price of Billboard for its warmth, charm, and upbeat melody perfectly suited for country radio. It received accolades from both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM), winning Single of the Year awards from both prestigious organizations.
Over the years, “Check Yes or No” has become one of George Strait’s signature songs, maintaining its popularity well into the streaming age. It continues to be a favorite among country music fans and remains a staple on radio playlists. The song’s influence extends beyond its original release, evidenced by covers from contemporary artists like Kane Brown, Austin Mahone, and Scotty McCreery, who performed it on American Idol at the request of George Strait himself.
The music video, featuring Michael Ray Ryan and Dawn Waggoner, captures the nostalgic essence of the song, complementing its heartfelt lyrics with visuals that resonate with viewers. The enduring appeal of “Check Yes or No” lies in its ability to evoke cherished memories of first loves and lasting commitments, making it a beloved classic in the country music genre.
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