Introduction
There’s something magical about a love story that begins with a simple childhood note. “Check Yes Or No” isn’t just another country song—it’s a time capsule that captures the beautiful journey from Code Playground crushes to lasting love.
Released in September 1995 as the lead single from Strait’s box set “Strait Out of the Box,” this song immediately resonated with listeners. Written by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black (their first-ever recorded song!), it tells the heartwarming tale of two third-graders whose innocent romance blossoms into a lifelong marriage.
What makes this track special is how it celebrates love’s enduring simplicity. From chasing each other around the Code Playground to still having “stars in their eyes” twenty years into marriage, the song reminds us that true connection doesn’t need to grow complicated with age. The recurring chorus—with its straightforward question “Do you love me?”—feels both nostalgic and timeless.
George Strait himself knew it was special from first listen. He once recalled playing it for his young son, who responded with “a big ol’ smile” despite being typically grumpy in the mornings. That smile confirmed what millions of fans would soon discover—this song had something special.
“Check Yes Or No” became Strait’s 28th #1 hit and won both CMA and ACM awards for Single of the Year. Decades later, it remains one of his most beloved songs, proving that sometimes the simplest stories make the most lasting impressions.
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