Introduction

‘You Never Can Tell’ is a classic song by Chuck Berry that was released in 1964. It has since become one of his most popular and enduring songs, with its catchy melody and memorable lyrics. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of ‘You Never Can Tell’ and explore the story behind the song.

The 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 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”, 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 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, it goes to show you never can tell

They bought a souped-up jitney, ’twas a cherry red ’53
They drove it down to Orleans to celebrate the anniversary
It was there where 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 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 show you never can tell

The Story Behind the Song

‘You Never Can Tell’ was inspired by Berry’s own experiences as a young man. He had grown up in a working-class family in St. Louis, Missouri, and had witnessed many young couples getting married at a young age. The song tells the story of a young couple who get married despite the doubts of their elders, and how they make a life for themselves despite the odds.

The song was also influenced by Berry’s love of rock and roll and his desire to create music that would appeal to a wide audience. He was known for his catchy melodies and clever lyrics, and ‘You Never Can Tell’ is no exception. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bruce Springsteen and Emmylou Harris.

Conclusion

‘You Never Can Tell’ is a classic song that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite of music fans around the world. Whether you are a fan of Chuck Berry or just love good music, ‘You Never Can Tell’ is a song that you will never forget.