You Never Can Tell

The overall theme of the song is about love and the twists and turns of life. It’s a sweet story showing how two people can build a life together, starting from their wedding day to their first home and celebrating anniversaries. The phrase "C'est la vie," repeated throughout, reflects a laid-back attitude toward life’s ups and downs. It reminds us that things don’t always go as planned, but that’s okay. It’s a celebration of love and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Verse 1

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

This verse sets the stage for the story. We meet Pierre and his bride, who are young and in love. The old folks support their union, showing a mix of hope and skepticism. The mention of their wedding bells rings in a sense of new beginnings. It captures that moment when everything feels perfect, but there's an underlying hint that life may not be as simple as it seems.

Chorus

"C'est la vie" say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell

The chorus is catchy and serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable. "C'est la vie" is a phrase that suggests acceptance of whatever comes next. It’s like a shrug of the shoulders, acknowledging that you can't always foresee the future. It emphasizes that love can face surprises and challenges, and that's part of the journey.

Verse 2

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" say the old folks

Here, we see the couple settling into their new life. Furnishing an apartment on a budget shows their humble beginnings. The mention of TV dinners adds a relatable touch; it’s a small detail that connects to many young couples starting out. When Pierre finds work, it hints at hope and stability. This verse continues the theme of making the best of what you have, aligning with the chorus's message about accepting life's twists.

Chorus

"C'est la vie" say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell

The chorus repeats, reinforcing the idea that life is full of surprises. It’s a comforting reminder that even when things don’t go according to plan, it’s all part of the experience. This repetition makes the message stick in our minds, just like life’s unpredictability.

Verse 3

They had a hi-fi phono boy did they let it blast?
Seven hundred little records all rock, rhythm, and jazz
But when the sun went down the rapid tempo of the music fell
"C'est la vie" say the old folks

In this verse, music plays a big role in their lives. The excitement of having a hi-fi and a huge collection of records shows how they embrace joy and fun. Yet, when night falls, the music slows down, hinting at the calm that comes after the thrill. It reflects the balance of high energy and quiet moments in a relationship, reinforcing the idea of enjoying life fully, but also knowing it will change.

Chorus

"C'est la vie" say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell

Again, the chorus brings us back to that key message. It’s the anchor of the song, reminding us that life’s unpredictability is just part of the ride.

Verse 4

They bought a souped-up jitney was a cherry red '53
And drove it down New Orleans to celebrate their anniversary
It was there where Pierre was wedded to the lovely Mademoiselle
"C'est la vie" say the old folks

This verse is all about celebration. The couple takes a joyride in a stylish car, showing that they’re living life and enjoying their time together. Going to New Orleans adds a sense of adventure and romance. It’s a beautiful moment that reflects how love can create special memories. The repetition of "C'est la vie" at the end ties back to the theme of acceptance, suggesting that every moment, good or bad, is worth celebrating.

Chorus

"C'est la vie" say the old folks
It goes to show you never can tell

The chorus comes back once more, cementing the idea that life is unpredictable. It serves as a reminder that love and life can surprise us, and we should embrace it all.

Closing Thoughts

"You Never Can Tell" is a delightful story about young love and the journey that comes with it. Chuck Berry perfectly captures the highs and lows of relationships, with a focus on the beauty of love amid uncertainty. The catchy chorus keeps reminding us that life is a mix of the planned and the unexpected. It's a timeless piece that feels relatable, no matter when you listen to it.