About the song
“Check Yes or No” is a classic country song by George Strait, released in September 1995 as the lead single from his box set *Strait Out of the Box*. Written by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, this song quickly became a hit, topping both the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. It also featured as a bonus track on the UK edition of Strait’s album *Blue Clear Sky* in 1996.
The song tells a charming story of two young schoolchildren who develop a crush on each other. They pass love notes and flirt on the playground, a sweet reminiscence of young love. The narrative then transitions to the present, celebrating their enduring relationship after twenty years of marriage. This heartfelt storyline resonates with many, capturing the essence of lasting love and nostalgia.
The creation of “Check Yes or No” is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Nashville songwriting. Dana Hunt Black had initially developed the song’s chorus before moving to Nashville, where she and Danny Wells completed the song. Strait, who was immediately drawn to the song, recorded it in April 1995 at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville.
Critics praised the song for its warm and engaging melody. Deborah Evans Price from Billboard described it as “another winner” for Strait, highlighting the song’s upbeat and charming delivery. The song’s success was further cemented when it won the CMA and ACM awards for Single of the Year.
“Check Yes or No” continues to be a favorite among country music fans and remains one of Strait’s most popular songs. It has been covered by various artists, including Kane Brown and Scotty McCreery, and has even inspired references by other musicians like Florida Georgia Line. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless portrayal of love and commitment.
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