About the song
“Check Yes Or No.” Released in 1995 as the lead single from his album Strait Out of the Box, this charming track quickly soared to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming an undeniable classic in his already legendary catalog. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a heartwarming narrative that beautifully illustrates how the smallest gestures and purest feelings from youth can blossom into a lifetime of shared happiness.
The lyrics of “Check Yes Or No” unfold like a cherished memory, chronicling the journey of a love that began in elementary school. The narrator fondly recalls passing a note to his crush, asking the simple, yet monumentally important question: “Do you love me? Check yes or no.” From that innocent beginning, the song traces their relationship through awkward school dances, growing up, and eventually, standing at the altar. It’s a testament to the idea that true love, often found in its simplest forms, can withstand the test of time, maturing and deepening with each passing year. Phrases like “Now we’re growin’ old together / We’ve raised a family” and “And when I look at her, I still see that little girl / With a note in her hand” perfectly encapsulate the nostalgia, the enduring affection, and the continuity of their bond. It speaks to the beauty of a love that builds quietly, steadfastly, from humble origins into a rich, full life.
George Strait’s vocal performance on “Check Yes Or No” is, as always, impeccable. His smooth, effortlessly confident baritone is perfectly suited to the song’s warm, nostalgic, and affectionate tone. He delivers the lyrics with a genuine smile in his voice, a sense of fond remembrance that makes the story feel utterly authentic and deeply personal. There’s a playful charm in his delivery, particularly when recalling those childhood moments, balanced by a profound sincerity when reflecting on their enduring love. Strait’s brilliance lies in his ability to imbue even a seemingly simple message with such heartfelt warmth, making the song resonate deeply with listeners of all ages who appreciate a love story told with honesty and grace.
The musical arrangement of “Check Yes Or No” is classic, upbeat country, characteristic of George Strait’s signature sound in the mid-1990s. It features a bright, infectious melody driven by prominent acoustic guitars, a lively fiddle, and a steady, danceable rhythm section. The instrumentation is clean, crisp, and polished, creating a joyful and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s heartwarming narrative. It’s an arrangement that feels both contemporary for its time and timeless in its appeal, allowing the song’s charm and Strait’s flawless vocals to shine through with effortless ease.
“Check Yes Or No” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of enduring love, nostalgia for simpler times, and the purity of childhood romance are universally cherished. It became one of George Strait’s most iconic and beloved hits, a staple at weddings and anniversaries, and a testament to his consistent ability to find songs that speak directly to the heart of everyday life and relationships. It remains a charming and enduring classic, a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most profound declarations of love begin with a simple note and the choice to “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
