Released in 1995 on the album Strait Out of the Box, “Check Yes or No” remains one of George Strait’s most beloved and enduring songs — a charming tale of innocent love that grows into a lifetime bond. Written by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, the song perfectly captures what Strait does best: turning everyday moments into pure emotional gold.
It begins with a schoolyard note — a simple piece of paper that asks, “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…” followed by those unforgettable words: “Check yes or no.” It’s sweet, it’s playful, and it’s universal. Everyone, at some point, has lived that innocent moment — the first flutter of love, the fear of rejection, the thrill of hope.
But what makes the song so powerful is what happens next. That childhood affection doesn’t fade away; it grows. The narrator and his sweetheart marry, raise children, and still feel that same spark decades later. “Now we’re grown up and she’s my wife,” Strait sings, “Still like two kids with stars in our eyes.” It’s a celebration of love that endures through time — not dramatic or tragic, but steady, faithful, and real.
Musically, “Check Yes or No” embodies everything fans love about ’90s country. Its upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and bright acoustic guitars bring a sense of warmth and familiarity. There’s no pretense — just honest storytelling wrapped in melody. Strait’s effortless vocal delivery adds to the song’s charm: calm, confident, and utterly sincere.
At concerts, when the opening chords ring out, the audience instantly lights up. It’s a song that bridges generations — parents singing with their kids, couples smiling at each other, and fans remembering their own “check yes or no” moments.
Nearly three decades later, “Check Yes or No” still feels fresh because its message is timeless. It reminds us that love doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple question, a brave heart, and a box waiting to be checked.
George Strait, with his quiet grace and storytelling soul, turned that tiny schoolyard note into one of country music’s greatest love songs — a melody that keeps reminding us how it all begins: with a little courage and a simple “yes.”
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CFwp7q0tYw&list=RD8CFwp7q0tYw&start_radio=1