About the song
“Check Yes or No” is a beloved country song performed by George Strait, written by the talented Nashville songwriters Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black. Released in September 1995 as the lead single from Strait’s box set “Strait Out of the Box,” this track quickly climbed to the top of the charts, peaking at number one on both the U.S. Billboard country chart and the Canadian RPM country chart. The song was also featured as a bonus track on the UK version of Strait’s “Blue Clear Sky” album in 1996, further expanding its reach and popularity.
The song narrates a charming and heartfelt story of young love that blossoms over the years. It begins with two schoolchildren exchanging love notes and shy glances on the playground, capturing the innocence and simplicity of childhood crushes. The narrative then shifts to the present, where the now-grown couple celebrates their enduring love and two decades of marriage. This transition from youthful affection to lasting commitment resonates deeply with listeners, making “Check Yes or No” a timeless piece in George Strait’s extensive repertoire.
Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, both of whom had not yet achieved major recognition, penned this song. Black recalled that she had initially developed the chorus a year before moving to Nashville, keeping it to herself until a songwriting session with Wells at the ASCAP offices. The collaboration proved fruitful, leading to the creation of a song that would become iconic in Strait’s career. An original demo of “Check Yes or No” can be found on the 2010 compilation “The Original Songwriter Demos Volumes 1 & 2,” offering a glimpse into the song’s early development.
Strait’s affinity for the song was immediate. He recounted to CMT that upon first hearing the demo, he knew it was a track he wanted to record. This enthusiasm was shared by his toddler son, indicating the song’s broad appeal across generations. Recorded at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville on April 10, 1995, “Check Yes or No” showcases Strait’s ability to deliver a narrative with warmth and charm, complemented by an upbeat melody perfectly suited for country radio.
Critics and audiences alike praised the song. Deborah Evans Price of Billboard magazine lauded it as another hit from country music’s most consistent hitmaker, highlighting Strait’s endearing performance. The song’s lasting popularity is evident, as it continues to receive significant radio play and remains a favorite among fans. In a 2017 profile of Strait for The New Yorker, Kelefa Sanneh described “Check Yes or No” as a “good-natured radio perennial,” underscoring its enduring charm and relevance.
“Check Yes or No” was honored with both a CMA and an ACM award for Single of the Year, solidifying its place in country music history. In the streaming era, it remains one of Strait’s most popular singles, consistently attracting hundreds of weekly spins on key country radio stations throughout the 2010s. Furthermore, it was ranked by listeners as their favorite CMA Single of the Year from the previous quarter-century, a testament to its timeless appeal and the heartfelt connection it fosters with audiences.
In essence, “Check Yes or No” is a celebration of love’s journey from innocent beginnings to lifelong partnership, masterfully brought to life by George Strait’s signature style. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of country music to tell stories that resonate deeply with listeners of all ages.
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