George Strait, the undisputed King of Country. For over four decades, his smooth baritone and brand of Texas two-step have captivated audiences. But Strait’s mastery extends beyond catchy melodies and danceable rhythms. He’s a master storyteller, weaving relatable narratives into his songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Today, we delve into one of his most beloved tunes, the heartwarming “Check Yes or No”.
Released in 1995 as the lead single from his box set “Strait Out of the Box”, the song quickly became a chart-topper, solidifying Strait’s position as a country music icon. But “Check Yes or No” transcends mere commercial success. It’s a timeless ballad that taps into a universal experience: the innocence and blossoming of young love.
Background
The beauty of the song lies in its simplicity. We open in the carefree world of childhood, on a playground where a young boy named Emmylou Hayes, with her pink dress and matching bow, captures the narrator’s heart.
“Check Yes or No” isn’t just about puppy love, though. It’s a testament to the enduring power of connection. The song cleverly shifts gears in the second verse, propelling us forward two decades. The playful teasing of the playground has evolved into a love that’s weathered the test of time.
The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to evoke both the giddiness of young love and the quiet contentment of a long-lasting relationship. Strait’s signature vocals – smooth, yet brimming with genuine emotion – perfectly capture this spectrum of feelings.
“Check Yes or No” wasn’t written by Strait himself, but by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black. However, the song feels intrinsically Straitesque. It embodies the themes of love, loyalty, and small-town life that have become synonymous with the country legend.
More than just a country ballad, “Check Yes or No” is a reminder of love’s enduring power. It’s a song that makes you reminisce about youthful crushes and celebrate the enduring bonds we forge throughout life.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
It started way back in third gradeI used to sit beside Emmylou HayesA pink dress, a matching bow in her ponytailShe kissed me on the school bus but told me not to tellNext day I chased her ’round the playground‘Cross the monkey bars to the merry-go-roundAnd Emmylou got caught passing me a noteBefore the teacher took it I read what she wrote“Do you love me? Do you wanna be my friend?And if you doWell then don’t be afraid to take me by the handIf you want toI think this is how love goesCheck yes or no”
Harley