About the song
“Check Yes or No,” a captivating country song by George Strait, takes listeners on a heartwarming journey through childhood sweethearts and enduring love. Released in September 1995, the song quickly rose to prominence, becoming a number-one hit on both the U.S. Billboard country chart and the Canadian RPM country chart. Its success extended beyond borders, even securing a spot as a bonus track on the UK release of Strait’s album “Blue Clear Sky.”
But the magic of “Check Yes or No” transcends chart rankings. The song’s narrative, penned by talented Nashville songwriters Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, paints a vivid picture of innocent childhood romance. It tells the story of two youngsters developing a crush, exchanging playful notes and flirting on the playground. This nostalgic first verse seamlessly transitions to the present, revealing a couple celebrating a long and happy marriage, a testament to the enduring power of their early connection.
The song’s creation itself is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Nashville’s songwriting scene. Black, who had held onto the catchy chorus concept for a year, found the perfect partner in Wells during a songwriting session at the ASCAP offices. Together, they fleshed out the song’s narrative, resulting in a powerful demo that eventually landed in Strait’s hands. Strait, immediately captivated by the song’s charm and upbeat melody, knew he had to record it. The resulting rendition, recorded at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville, perfectly captured the song’s essence.
“Check Yes or No” resonated deeply with both critics and audiences. Critics like Deborah Evans Price of Billboard magazine praised the song’s warmth and catchiness, while others lauded it as a radio staple. The song’s impact extended beyond its initial release, securing both a CMA and an ACM Award for Single of the Year. Even in the age of streaming, “Check Yes or No” continues to hold a special place. It remains a fan favorite, regularly receiving airplay on major country stations and consistently ranking among the most beloved CMA Single of the Year winners.
The song’s influence extends beyond the charts. Artists like Kane Brown, Austin Mahone, and Scotty McCreery have all covered the song, paying homage to its enduring appeal. Notably, McCreery performed “Check Yes or No” at the finale of American Idol at Strait’s personal request, further solidifying the song’s legacy.
With its relatable story and timeless melody, “Check Yes or No” has become a country classic. It’s a song that reminds us of the power of young love and the joy of finding a lifelong partner. So the next time you hear this iconic tune, take a moment to appreciate the songwriting duo who brought it to life, the legendary artist who delivered it with such heart, and the enduring power of a love story that transcends generations.
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