About the song
There are certain songs that, despite the decades and changing trends, hold onto a kind of timeless charm—melodies that transport us back to simpler moments, whether real or imagined. Originally recorded by George Strait in 1995, “Check Yes or No” is one of those rare pieces of country music that feels as fresh and sweet today as it did when it first climbed the charts. So when Scotty McCreery, the North Carolina native with the deep baritone and boy-next-door demeanor, chose to revisit this beloved track, it wasn’t just a cover—it was a heartfelt homage steeped in tradition, reverence, and personal sincerity.
McCreery, known for his traditional-leaning style and easygoing charm since winning American Idol in 2011, brings a fresh yet respectful take to this modern country classic. Where Strait’s original was smooth and understated, Scotty’s version adds just a touch more warmth and youthfulness, like a memory told slightly differently through the lens of a new storyteller. It’s not a reinvention—it’s a love letter.
The song itself is a sweet narrative of young love, charmingly rooted in playground notes and lunchbox confessions. It’s a tale we all recognize, even if we never passed a folded-up paper asking someone to “check yes or no.” That innocence, that sincere vulnerability, has helped this song endure across generations. In McCreery’s hands, it becomes not only a tribute to Strait’s legacy but a nod to the enduring power of country music storytelling—simple, heartfelt, and genuine.
What makes McCreery’s interpretation so compelling is his deep respect for country traditions. He isn’t trying to modernize or reinvent the wheel. Instead, he leans into the authenticity of the song, allowing his natural tone and easy phrasing to guide the listener gently along the familiar path of first loves and sweet beginnings. There’s a clear understanding here: songs like this don’t need embellishment—they just need heart.
In the world of country music, where tales of heartbreak and honky-tonks often dominate, “Check Yes or No” remains a tender reminder that some of the most enduring stories are the simplest. And with Scotty McCreery stepping up to sing it, that story lives on—gently, sweetly, and just as endearingly as ever.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
It started way back in third grade
I used to sit beside Emmylou Hayes
A pink dress, a matching bow and her pony tail
She kissed me on the school bus, but told me not to tell[Verse 2]
Next day I chased her ’round the playground
Across 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[Chorus]
“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”[Verse 3]
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[Verse 4]
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
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“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”[Chorus]
“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”[Outro]
Check yes or no
Check yes or no
Check yes or no
Check yes or no
