About the song
“(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” by Emmylou Harris is a delightful country-pop tune that exudes charm and warmth with its catchy melody and playful lyrics. Featured on Harris’s album “Luxury Liner,” released in 1977, this song showcases her versatile vocal style and her ability to infuse each performance with emotion and authenticity.
Written by Chuck Berry, “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” is a cover of Berry’s original song “C’est la Vie (You Never Can Tell),” with additional English lyrics penned by Emmylou Harris herself. The song’s upbeat tempo and cheerful instrumentation create a joyful atmosphere, inviting listeners to tap their toes and sing along.
While “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” did not achieve significant chart success as a single, it received acclaim from critics and fans for its infectious energy and Harris’s spirited delivery. Its inclusion on the album “Luxury Liner” contributed to the album’s success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
In addition to its critical acclaim, “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” has been covered by various artists and remains a favorite among Harris’s fans. Its timeless appeal and universal message of embracing life’s unpredictability continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout track in Harris’s illustrious career.
Emmylou Harris’s joyful rendition of “(You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie” serves as a reminder to enjoy life’s twists and turns, knowing that sometimes, as the French phrase suggests, “c’est la vie” – such is life.
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