About the song
Emmylou Harris’s “C’est La Vie” is a timeless country classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1979, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying Harris’s status as one of the most influential female singers in country music.
The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a haunting melody and Harris’s distinctive, soulful vocals. The lyrics explore themes of life’s uncertainties, the importance of resilience, and the acceptance of fate.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its powerful chorus, in which Harris sings, “C’est la vie, that’s life.” The chorus’s repetitive refrain further reinforces the song’s central theme of embracing life’s ups and downs.
The song’s production is simple yet effective, with Harris’s vocals taking center stage. The arrangement allows her voice to shine, while the instrumental accompaniment provides a poignant backdrop for the song’s emotional content.
“C’est La Vie” is a testament to the power of music to evoke strong emotions. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and Harris’s soulful performance have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Harris’s talent and her ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
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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