About the song
“Check Yes or No” by George Strait, a charming and nostalgic country tune that beautifully captures the simple yet profound moments of young love and the enduring power of innocent gestures. Released in 1995, this song became another signature hit for the “King of Country,” showcasing his smooth, traditional vocal style and his ability to evoke heartfelt emotion through a seemingly straightforward narrative. It’s more than just a song about childhood crushes; it’s a sweet and relatable reflection on the beginnings of romance and the lasting impact of those early connections.
The lyrics of “Check Yes or No” unfold as a series of nostalgic vignettes, looking back at the innocent beginnings of a lifelong love that started with a simple note passed in grade school. The central image of a young boy asking “Check Yes or No” to a budding crush encapsulates the tentative and hopeful nature of childhood romance. The song then progresses through the years, touching on significant milestones in their relationship, from teenage dates to eventual marriage and a lasting commitment. The repeated phrase “Check Yes or No” serves as a charming and enduring symbol of their enduring love story, a reminder of its simple and innocent origins. George Strait’s vocal delivery is characteristically smooth, warm, and sincere. His traditional country baritone carries a sense of gentle nostalgia and heartfelt affection as he recounts the story. There’s a genuine sweetness in his voice that perfectly complements the innocent and enduring nature of the love being described.
The musical arrangement of “Check Yes or No” is a classic example of a beautifully crafted mid-1990s country ballad with a touch of upbeat charm. Featuring a gentle and flowing melody carried by acoustic guitars and subtle piano, with a light and steady rhythm section and the warm twang of a steel guitar, the instrumentation creates a nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere. The production is clean and uncluttered, allowing Strait’s sincere vocals and the sweet simplicity of the lyrics to take center stage. The overall effect is one of gentle reflection and deep emotional resonance, evoking a sense of fondness for the innocent beginnings of lasting love.
“Check Yes or No” resonated deeply with audiences because it tapped into the universal experience of first love and the cherished memories of those early, innocent romantic gestures. The simple act of passing a note with a “Check Yes or No” question is a relatable symbol of youthful vulnerability and hope. George Strait’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s sweet and nostalgic narrative have made it a timeless and beloved ballad in the country music landscape, a gentle reminder of the enduring power of simple beginnings in the journey of love.
In essence, “Check Yes or No” is more than just a charming country song; it’s a sweet and nostalgic reflection on the enduring power of innocent gestures and the lasting impact of first love, delivered with George Strait’s signature smooth baritone and heartfelt sincerity. Its enduring popularity lies in its relatable narrative and its gentle celebration of the simple beginnings that can blossom into a lifetime of love, all starting with a hopeful “Check Yes or No.”
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
