About the song
Emmylou Harris’ rendition of “You Never Can Tell,” reimagined as “(You Never Can Tell) C’est La Vie,” stands as a testament to her eclectic musical journey and enduring influence in the country and folk genres. Released in 1977 as the lead single from her album *Luxury Liner* under Warner Bros. Records, the song quickly ascended to the Top Ten of the Country & Western charts, solidifying Harris’ reputation as a versatile artist capable of breathing new life into classic compositions.
Harris’ affinity for Chuck Berry’s music traces back to her early career days as part of a folk trio based in Washington D.C., where she honed her skills and appreciation for a diverse range of musical styles. The decision to cover “…C’est La Vie” was not just a nod to her roots but also a reflection of her deep-seated connection to rock-and-roll classics, which she often revisited during her travels.
Recorded during a session on August 10, 1976, in the Enactron Truck, producer Brian Ahern captured the essence of Harris’ interpretation, enriched by the distinctive Cajun fiddle contributions of Ricky Skaggs. The session also yielded the poignant B-side “Hello Stranger,” showcasing Harris’ ability to blend traditional influences with contemporary sensibilities.
Upon its release on February 2, 1977, the track swiftly climbed to #6 on the Billboard C&W chart by April, while also enjoying success in European markets, peaking at #4 in the Netherlands and #5 in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Its reception abroad underscored Harris’ global appeal and marked her presence beyond American borders.
In a candid 2013 interview, Harris reflected on her experience with the song, expressing both fondness and a sense of evolution: “‘C’est la Vie’ was a wonderful song to do, and I might [perform] it for nostalgic reasons, but it just lost its appeal for me after a while. I didn’t feel that I was bringing anything to it, I guess.” Despite her reservations, the track remains a hallmark of her career, celebrated for its blend of storytelling and musical prowess.
Beyond Harris’ interpretation, the song found renewed fame following its inclusion in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film *Pulp Fiction*, where it underscored an iconic dance sequence. This resurgence highlighted its enduring cultural relevance and further solidified its place in the pantheon of timeless musical compositions.
From its inception as a Chuck Berry classic to its reinterpretation by Emmylou Harris, “(You Never Can Tell) C’est La Vie” continues to captivate audiences, embodying the spirit of musical innovation and cross-genre exploration that defines Harris’ illustrious career.
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