Emmylou Harris – (You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie (1977)

About the song

Let’s turn our attention to Emmylou Harris’s spirited and utterly charming rendition of “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie.” This track, a delightful cover of Chuck Berry’s iconic 1964 rock and roll narrative, served as the lead single from Harris’s critically acclaimed 1977 album, Luxury Liner. While Berry’s original is a rock and roll foundational piece, Harris’s interpretation brought a distinctly country-rock flavor to the song, showcasing her incredible versatility and her knack for picking unexpected yet perfectly suited material. It’s more than just a cover; it’s a brilliant crossover moment that celebrates life’s unpredictable twists with an infectious sense of joy and wisdom.

The lyrics of “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” tell a whimsical and heartwarming story of a teenage couple, Pierre and Mademoiselle, who defy expectations. They marry young, furnish their apartment with “a two-room Roebuck sale,” fill it with rock and roll records, and eventually head to New Orleans in a “cherry-red fifty-nine” to celebrate their anniversary. The recurring refrain, “C’est la vie, say the old folks / It goes to show you never can tell,” acts as a sage observation on the unpredictable nature of love and life. It’s a tale of simple pleasures, enduring affection, and the surprising ways that life can unfold, often proving the doubters wrong. The humor is subtle, the optimism infectious, and the message profoundly relatable.

Emmylou Harris’s vocal performance on “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” is a masterclass in elegant country-rock. Her voice, known for its pristine clarity, emotive warmth, and delicate precision, delivers the narrative with a sparkling effervescence. She captures the song’s joyful spirit perfectly, singing with a graceful energy that makes the story come alive. Unlike Chuck Berry’s more spoken-word, rock and roll delivery, Harris brings her signature blend of country inflection and folk sensibility, making the quirky details of the lyrics shine. Her voice, though sweet, possesses a natural strength that allows her to drive the narrative with conviction and charm.

The musical arrangement of “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” in Harris’s hands is a vibrant blend of country, rock, and a touch of Cajun spice. It features a lively rhythm section, prominent acoustic and electric guitars (often showcasing the brilliance of her Hot Band, including the legendary Albert Lee on guitar), and the distinctive sound of a piano that plays homage to Johnnie Johnson’s iconic part in Berry’s original. The instrumentation is energetic and impeccably played, providing a rich, textured backdrop that perfectly supports Harris’s vocals. The production, courtesy of Brian Ahern, is clean and polished, enhancing the song’s broad appeal while retaining its rootsy charm.

“(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” resonated deeply with audiences because it offered a refreshing and optimistic take on life’s journey, delivered by an artist who had already established herself as a voice of profound sincerity. It was a testament to Emmylou Harris’s interpretive genius, demonstrating her ability to take a beloved classic from a different genre and make it uniquely her own, all while retaining its original joy and wisdom. It remains a beloved classic, an enduring reminder that, indeed, “C’est la Vie”, and you never can tell where love and happiness might lead you.

Video

Lyrics

It was a teenage wedding
And the old folks wished them well
You could see that pierre
Did truly love the mademoiselle
And now the young monsieur and madame
Have rung the chapel bell
“c’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to slow you never can tell
They furnished off an apartment
With a two room roebuck sale
The coolerator was crammed
With t.v. dimmers and ginger ale
But when pierre found work
The little money comin’ worked out well
“c’est la vie”, say 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 rockin’ rhythm and jazz
But 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
T’was a cherry-red fifty nine
They drove it down to new orleans
To celebrate their anniversary
It was there that pierre
Was wedded to the lovely mad’moiselle
“c’est la vie”, say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell