About the song
There’s something timeless about a great country love song, and **George Strait – Check Yes or No** is a perfect example. Released in 1995 as the lead single from his box set *Strait Out of the Box*, this song captures the innocence and simplicity of young love in a way that resonates with listeners of all ages. With his signature smooth vocals and a melody that feels as familiar as an old friend, Strait takes us on a journey back to childhood romance—when love was as simple as passing a note with two checkboxes.
The song tells the story of a boy and a girl who share a sweet, innocent bond in their school days. He recalls how she slipped him a note asking if he liked her, with the classic “Check Yes or No” option. It’s a nostalgic and heartwarming premise, made even more charming by Strait’s delivery. But what makes this song even more special is that it doesn’t just dwell in the past—the lyrics fast-forward to the present, where that same childhood crush has blossomed into a lifelong love. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest beginnings lead to the most beautiful stories.
Musically, **Check Yes or No** is classic George Strait—clean, easygoing, and effortlessly charming. The mid-tempo arrangement, featuring a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, provides the perfect backdrop for the storytelling. There’s no unnecessary flash or overproduction, just a warm and inviting sound that makes you want to sway along. Strait’s voice is, as always, rich and reassuring, embodying the kind of authenticity that has made him one of country music’s most enduring stars.
The song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the *Billboard* Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and cementing its place as one of Strait’s signature songs. Even decades later, it remains a fan favorite, often played at weddings, anniversaries, and country music gatherings. There’s a reason for that—it’s a song that makes people smile, bringing them back to a time when love was simple, pure, and full of promise.
If you’re a fan of classic country storytelling, **George Strait – Check Yes or No** is a song that never gets old. It’s a testament to the power of a well-told love story, beautifully wrapped in the smooth, unmistakable sound of the “King of Country” himself.
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
