In 1995, country music icon George Strait released “Check Yes or No,” a song that quickly became a fan favorite and another chart-topping hit in his illustrious career. Featured on his Strait Out of the Box box set, this heartwarming tune tells a timeless story of young love and innocent affection, all centered around a simple “check yes or no” question. Strait, known for his storytelling through song, narrates from the perspective of a man reminiscing about his childhood sweetheart, Emmylou Hayes. He recalls playground memories, from kisses on the school bus to playful chases around the monkey bars and merry-go-round. The pivotal moment arrives when Emmylou passes him a note in class, asking the simple yet profound question: “Check Yes or No” if he reciprocates her feelings.
“Do you love me? Do you want to be my friend? And if you do, 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,” sings Strait, capturing the innocent yet earnest nature of childhood romance in the chorus of “Check Yes or No”.
The song beautifully progresses through the couple’s lives, depicting their journey from childhood sweethearts to a married couple raising their own family. Despite the years passing, the song emphasizes that the spark of love, the “stars in their eyes,” remains as bright as it was in their youth. The official music video for “Check Yes Or No Song” visually complements this narrative, portraying the couple both as children and as adults enjoying a George Strait concert, watching him perform the very song that mirrors their own love story.
“Check Yes or No” solidified its place in country music history by becoming Strait’s 28th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country chart. This achievement followed a string of successful singles, including classics like “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind,” “Oceanfront Property,” and “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” cementing Strait’s status as the “King of Country.” Fans can find “Check Yes or No song,” along with many of his other chart-toppers, on the album 50 Number Ones, a testament to his consistent success.
George Strait performing on stage
The magic behind “Check Yes or No” stems from the songwriting duo of Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black. This song marked a significant milestone for both, becoming their first-ever song to be recorded and their first number one hit. Dana Hunt Black shared with WSRE Pensacola that the concept for the “check yes or no song” had been in her mind even before moving to Nashville. However, it wasn’t until she collaborated with Danny Wells that the song truly took shape.
Hunt Black recounted, “I actually went to Nashville with that idea, but didn’t write it probably for a year after I moved there.” She described a songwriting session with Wells where they were struggling with another song, eventually discarding it. In that moment of creative reset, Hunt Black introduced the “check yes or no” chorus idea, and the song began to emerge. Danny Wells, in an episode of Words & Music, echoed this account, adding that they refined the song’s structure to arrive at the version that resonated with George Strait and country music fans alike.
George Strait’s immediate connection with “Check Yes or No song” is a crucial part of its success story. He told CMT that he loved the song from the first listen. Adding to its approval, even Strait’s son, Bubba, gave it a thumbs up.
George Strait in a black and white portrait
Strait recalled, “Yeah, ‘Check Yes or No,’ that was a pretty big record. And that was one of the songs though that I knew, right away when I first heard it, I wanted to cut it.” He further shared a heartwarming anecdote about playing the song for his son: “I couldn’t wait to get home and play it for my son. I knew he’d love it. I don’t remember how old he was at the time, but he was pretty young. And I remember I was riding to take him to school, and he’s not a morning person. He’s pretty grumpy. And I said ‘I’ve got a song here I’m gonna play you.’ I stuck it in there and played it and cheered him right up. Boy, big ol’ smile, I knew we had a good one then.”
George Strait, often called the “King of Country Music,” is celebrated as one of the most successful artists not just in country, but across all music genres. His career boasts over 60 number one hits, including iconic songs like “Amarillo By Morning,” “The Cowboy Rides Away,” and “Carrying Your Love With Me.” “Check Yes or No song” stands out as a testament to his ability to connect with audiences through relatable stories and heartfelt melodies.
Animated image of George Strait
In conclusion, the enduring appeal of “Check Yes or No” lies in its simple yet powerful portrayal of love’s journey, from innocent childhood beginnings to lasting commitment. The “check yes or no song” concept resonates with listeners because it captures a universal experience of young love and the hopeful anticipation of reciprocated feelings. George Strait’s delivery of this sweet narrative, combined with the song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics, has cemented “Check Yes or No” as a timeless country classic that continues to charm audiences today.
