About the song
“(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” as interpreted by Emmylou Harris is a delightful and somewhat unexpected entry in her extensive and often more traditionally country-leaning repertoire. While the song is most famously associated with Chuck Berry, whose original 1964 recording captured a whimsical and cinematic narrative of young love and its unfolding journey, Harris’s 1977 rendition on her album “Luxury Liner” brings a charmingly rootsy and slightly more laid-back perspective to this classic tune. It’s more than just a cover song; it’s a warm and engaging reimagining that highlights the song’s enduring storytelling and Harris’s distinctive vocal style.
Chuck Berry’s original version of “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” is a vibrant and detailed account of a young couple’s courtship, marriage, and the establishment of their life together, narrated with Berry’s signature wit and rock and roll energy. Harris’s interpretation retains the narrative core of the song – the tale of the teenage wedding, the small apartment, the secondhand furniture, and the eventual success and enduring love of the couple. However, her delivery infuses the story with a gentle warmth and a touch of country sensibility. Her clear and expressive soprano lends a different kind of charm to the tale, perhaps emphasizing the enduring simplicity and sweetness of the couple’s journey.
Emmylou Harris’s vocal style in “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” showcases her versatility and her ability to interpret songs from various genres while still imbuing them with her unique vocal signature. Her pure and slightly melancholic tone adds a layer of gentle reflection to the narrative, perhaps suggesting a fond reminiscence of young love and its unfolding. The musical arrangement in Harris’s version often features a more acoustic and roots-oriented sound compared to Berry’s rock and roll energy. Expect to hear prominent acoustic guitars, perhaps some mandolin or fiddle, and a more relaxed rhythm section that gives the song a distinctly Americana feel. This arrangement complements Harris’s vocal delivery, creating a warm and inviting sonic landscape that supports the storytelling.
The enduring appeal of “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” lies in its timeless and universally relatable story of young love, commitment, and the simple joys of building a life together. Whether delivered with Chuck Berry’s rock and roll swagger or Emmylou Harris’s gentle country charm, the narrative of the song resonates with audiences who appreciate a heartwarming tale of enduring affection. Harris’s rendition offers a different flavor, highlighting the song’s strong narrative and her own distinctive vocal artistry.
“(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” as performed by Emmylou Harris is a delightful and rootsy reimagining of a classic story song, showcasing her vocal warmth and her ability to bring a fresh perspective to well-loved material. Her interpretation highlights the enduring charm of the narrative and offers a more gentle and acoustic take on this tale of enduring love and life’s unpredictable journey – “C’est la Vie,” indeed.
Video
Lyrics
It was a teenage wedding
And the old folks wished them well
You could see that Pierre
Did truly love that mademoiselle
Now the young monsieur and madame
Have rung the Chapel bell
“C’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell
They furnished off an apartment
With a two room Roebuck sale
The coolerator was crammed
With TV dinners and ginger ale
But when Pierre found work
The little money comin’ worked out well
“C’est la vie”, said the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell
They had a hi-fi phono
Boy did they let it blast
Seven hundred little records
All rock, rhythm and jazz
When the sun went down
The rapid tempo of the music fell
“C’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell
They bought a souped-up jitney
It was a cherry-red fifty three
Drove it down to New Orleans
To celebrate the anniversary
It was there that Pierre
Was wedded to the lovely mademoiselle
“C’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell
It was a teenage wedding
And the old folks wished them well
You could see that Pierre
Did truly love that mademoiselle
And now the young monsieur and madame
Have rung the Chapel bell
“C’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell
“C’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell
“C’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell
