Introduction
When George Strait released Check Yes Or No in 1995, the song instantly resonated with listeners who cherished the kind of storytelling that once defined country music in the 1970s. Though it emerged decades after the era of Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, and Tammy Wynette, its spirit is firmly rooted in that golden age — when songs were simple, heartfelt, and told stories that felt like they could belong to anyone.
At its heart, Check Yes Or No is a tale of innocent young love that grows into lifelong devotion. The song’s narrator recalls a childhood romance, when a girl passes him a handwritten note with the question: “Do you love me? Do you want to be my friend?” with two little boxes to check — yes or no. This small, almost playful memory becomes the foundation of a lifelong relationship. As the years pass, that same affection deepens into marriage and enduring companionship.
For listeners over 50, the song often sparks a wave of nostalgia. It calls to mind a time before smartphones and instant messaging, when young love was communicated through scribbled notes, shared glances, and shy smiles. The lyrics remind us that some of life’s most important bonds are formed not through grand gestures, but through small, sincere moments.
Musically, Check Yes Or No reflects Strait’s trademark neotraditional style — uncluttered arrangements, warm fiddle lines, and a steady rhythm that echoes the dancehall sounds of the 1970s. This stylistic choice bridges the gap between generations, allowing older listeners to feel the comfort of familiarity while introducing younger audiences to the timeless qualities of true country storytelling.
The song’s meaning extends beyond romance. It’s about the beauty of commitment, the grace of growing together, and the value of keeping love simple. In an era where relationships can feel transient and disposable, Check Yes Or No gently reminds us that the strongest connections are built over time — and that love, once found, should be nurtured with the same innocence and sincerity with which it began.
For those who came of age in the ’70s, the song may also carry an unspoken parallel: just as music from that decade still holds a place in our hearts, so too can love endure if we honor the values that made it strong in the first place. Listening to George Strait sing this story is like leafing through an old photo album — the colors may have faded, but the emotions remain vivid and true.
Nearly three decades after its release, Check Yes Or No remains one of George Strait’s most beloved hits, proving that while musical trends may change, the power of a simple, well-told love story never does. It’s a reminder — much like the best songs of the 1970s — that sometimes, the sweetest moments in life begin with nothing more than a pen, a piece of paper, and a little box marked “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
