Introduction
“Check Yes or No” is a celebrated country song by George Strait, released on September 18, 1995, as the lead single from his box set “Strait Out of the Box.” The track quickly climbed the charts, securing the number-one spot on both the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks charts. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place as one of Strait’s signature songs.
The song narrates a heartwarming tale of childhood sweethearts whose innocent affection matures into lasting love. It begins with a nostalgic look back at third grade, where the young protagonist receives a note asking, “Do you love me? Do you wanna be my friend?” with options to check “yes” or “no.” This simple gesture blossoms into a lifelong romance, capturing the essence of enduring love that resonates with many listeners.
Penned by songwriters Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black, “Check Yes or No” marked a significant milestone in their careers, being among their first compositions recorded by a major artist. Black had conceived the song’s chorus a year before moving to Nashville but had kept it private. During a collaborative session with Wells at the ASCAP offices, she shared the idea, and together they developed the song. Reflecting on the writing process, Black mentioned that she had wanted to craft a song about grade school love, inspired by memories of passing notes in class.
Upon hearing the demo, George Strait was immediately drawn to the song. He recalled, “That was one of the songs…that I knew, right away when I first heard it, I wanted to cut it.” Strait’s enthusiasm was further validated when he played the track for his young son, whose positive reaction reinforced his decision to record it.
The song’s relatable narrative and catchy melody contributed to its widespread acclaim. It earned the Single of the Year award at both the Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards in 1996. Decades later, “Check Yes or No” continues to be a favorite among country music fans, exemplifying the timeless appeal of George Strait’s music.