About the song
Good day, everyone. It’s a real pleasure to talk about a song that is a perfect example of a timeless country love story—one that is both simple in its telling and deeply profound in its message. We’re talking about a tune that has become an anthem for couples of all ages, a classic that feels as fresh today as it did nearly thirty years ago. I’m referring to none other than the legendary George Strait and his iconic 1995 hit, “Check Yes Or No.”
This song, written by Dana Hunt Black and Danny Wells, is a masterpiece of narrative songwriting. It tells a complete love story, from its innocent beginnings to its enduring conclusion, all within the span of a few short verses. The story begins with a universal memory: a childhood crush in the fifth grade, a simple note passed across a classroom asking a question that felt like the most important one in the world: “Do you love me? Check yes or no.” This opening instantly transports the listener back to their own youth, to a time of innocent and pure emotions.
The song then fast-forwards, showing us the hand of fate as the two characters meet again years later, their simple schoolyard crush blossoming into a mature and lasting love. But the real genius of the song lies in its final verse, which brings the story full circle. As an older couple, they look back on their lives together—the hardships, the joys, and the children they raised—and the narrator realizes that the answer to that simple childhood question has been a resounding “yes” for their entire lives. The song beautifully suggests that the foundation of their profound, lifelong love was laid with that first, simple gesture.
George Strait’s vocal performance is what truly brings this story to life. His voice, that smooth, easygoing baritone, is the perfect vessel for this tale. He sings with a warmth and genuine sincerity that makes the story feel utterly believable. There’s no dramatic flair or vocal gymnastics; just an honest, heartfelt delivery from a man who sounds like he has truly lived this kind of love. His understated style is what makes him “The King,” and on this song, it’s a masterclass in emotional restraint and authentic storytelling.
The musical arrangement is classic Strait, a clean, melodic, mid-tempo country track featuring that perfect blend of fiddle and steel guitar. The music is as charming and sweet as the story itself, providing a simple yet perfect backdrop for the narrative. “Check Yes Or No” wasn’t just a hit song; it became a romantic standard and a fixture at weddings and anniversaries. It’s a testament to the fact that a truly great love story doesn’t need to be complicated to be beautiful, and that sometimes, the most profound answers can be found in a simple “yes.”
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
