☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a young wedding and emphasizes the unpredictability of life.
- The line 'C'est la vie' is repeated and means 'That's life'.
- The couple experiences ups and downs, such as job loss and adjusting to a low income.
- The music in the song adapts to the mood, from rock and rhythm to calm music at sunset.
- The song ends with the old folks wishing the couple all the best and emphasizing that life is full of surprises.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "You Never Can Tell" by
John Prine tell the story of a young wedding and emphasize the unpredictability of life. The old folks wish the young couple all the best and acknowledge that Pierre is truly in love with the Mademoiselle. The line "C'est la vie" is repeated by the old folks and means "That's life".
The young couple sets up an apartment and buys furniture at a clearance sale. They have food and drinks and are content with their modest income. But then Pierre loses his job and they have to make do with less money. The line "C'est la vie" shows that things don't always turn out as expected.
The couple has a record player and enjoys listening to rock, rhythm, and jazz. But as the sun sets, the music becomes quieter. Once again, the line "C'est la vie" shows that life is unpredictable.
The couple buys an old car and drives to New Orleans to celebrate their anniversary. There, Pierre marries his beloved Mademoiselle. The song ends as it began, with the old folks wishing the couple all the best and emphasizing that in life, you never know what will happen.
Overall, the lyrics of the song convey the message that life is full of surprises and unpredictability. It highlights the importance of enjoying life to the fullest, as you never know what the future holds.