About the song
**George Strait**. The very name conjures up images of windswept Texas landscapes, the comforting strum of a well-worn guitar, and that unmistakable, smooth-as-whiskey voice. For those of us who’ve lived a few decades and have a deep appreciation for authentic country music, Strait isn’t just an artist; he’s an institution. He’s the kind of performer whose music becomes the soundtrack to our lives, marking milestones and etching memories into the fabric of our personal histories.
The track you’ve brought to my attention, “**Check Yes Or No**,” is a perfect example of why Strait has held such an enduring place in the hearts of country music lovers. Released in 1996 as the lead single from his album *Blue Clear Sky*, this song isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a beautifully crafted narrative, a miniature story told with the understated elegance that has become Strait’s hallmark. It speaks to a universal experience, the tentative and often nerve-wracking beginnings of young love, filtered through the innocent interactions of childhood.
What makes “**Check Yes Or No**” so compelling is its simplicity and relatability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of youthful infatuation, conveyed through the innocent act of passing notes in class. Remember those days? The folded pieces of paper, the carefully chosen words, theドキドキする anticipation of a response? Strait masterfully captures that delicate dance of early attraction, the unspoken feelings and the hopeful uncertainty that comes with putting your heart on the line for the very first time. The brilliance lies in how he takes this seemingly small, almost trivial moment and imbues it with a profound sense of nostalgia and the recognition of love’s nascent stages.
The musical arrangement of “**Check Yes Or No**” is equally crucial to its enduring appeal. It’s classic Strait – a traditional country sound with a gentle, melodic flow. The instrumentation is clean and uncluttered, allowing Strait’s rich baritone to take center stage. The steel guitar adds that signature country twang, evoking a sense of heartfelt sincerity, while the rhythm section provides a steady, comforting pulse. It’s a sound that feels both familiar and timeless, a welcome respite from the often overproduced sounds that dominate contemporary music.
Beyond the nostalgic charm, “**Check Yes Or No**” also showcases Strait’s remarkable ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level. He delivers the lyrics with a sincerity that makes you believe every word. There’s no artifice, no dramatic embellishment, just a straightforward, honest portrayal of a young boy’s courage to express his feelings in the simplest way he knows how. This authenticity is a cornerstone of Strait’s artistry and a key reason why his music continues to resonate with generations of listeners.
In a world often filled with fleeting trends and disposable pop, **George Strait**’s music, and particularly a gem like “**Check Yes Or No**,” stands as a testament to the power of well-crafted songs that tell genuine stories. It’s a reminder of the simple, yet profound, moments that shape our lives and the enduring power of love in its purest form. So, let the familiar melody wash over you, and allow yourself to be transported back to a time of youthful innocence and the hopeful beginnings of a love story that might just have started with a simple choice: **Check Yes Or No**. It’s a journey well worth taking.
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
