Introduction
When Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter came together to record “You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie),” they weren’t just revisiting a rock ’n’ roll classic—they were breathing new life into a vibrant, storytelling gem originally penned and recorded by Chuck Berry in 1964. With their unique chemistry and outlaw spirit, Waylon and Jessi transformed this upbeat number into a charming country-infused duet that sparkles with character, rhythm, and a wink of romance.
Chuck Berry’s original told the tale of a young couple making the best out of life, love, and modest beginnings. From their wedding bells to a humble apartment with a coolerator full of TV dinners, the song playfully celebrates the joys of everyday love—the kind that isn’t about fairy tales, but about sticking together and finding happiness in the little things. The repeated French refrain “C’est la vie, say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell” serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable, and love often defies logic.
When Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter took on the song, they infused it with personality and grit, turning the rock ’n’ roll bounce into a more grounded, rootsy affair. Jennings’s rugged drawl provides the perfect foil to Colter’s smooth, warm vocal delivery. The result is a duet that feels intimate and real, as if you’re overhearing a conversation between two people who know exactly what it means to roll with life’s punches—and to laugh about it together.
Their version keeps the narrative intact, but with the unmistakable flavor of outlaw country and the lived-in charm that only two seasoned artists—and real-life spouses—could bring. There’s a knowingness in their delivery, a sense that they’ve walked in those shoes, from cheap furniture and old records to raising a family and building a life one step at a time.
Though this rendition might not have topped the charts like the original, it stands out as a testament to the versatility of both Jennings and Colter. It shows their willingness to experiment, to honor musical traditions outside their usual genre, and to have fun while doing it. Their take on “You Never Can Tell” isn’t just a cover—it’s a celebration of enduring love, quirky memories, and the idea that life’s best moments often come when you least expect them.
In the end, “You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie)” reminds us of something both Waylon and Jessi understood deeply: that love isn’t always grand or glamorous, but it’s worth it—and it’s often found in the smallest, most ordinary places. And that’s precisely what makes it extraordinary.