The Meaning Behind The Song: You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry’s song “You Never Can Tell” tells the story of a young couple who met in July and fell in love. They decided to get married and start their life together despite their young age. The song portrays the joys and challenges of young love and how the couple navigates them with optimism and resilience. The song has endured through the years as a classic love ballad with a fun, upbeat twist.
Verse by Verse Analysis
Verse 1
The first verse tells us the story of the young lovers. They met on a hot July day in a seaside town. They were both young, but they fell in love at first sight. The verse describes their youthful energy and vitality. The line “and they danced by the light of the moon” implies a romantic, carefree atmosphere.
Chorus
The chorus is the most recognizable part of the song. The lyrics “It goes to show you never can tell” are a statement about how unexpected things can happen in life, and love is no exception. The chorus emphasizes the unpredictability of life and love. The upbeat rhythm and catchy melody make it a crowd-pleaser at parties and weddings.
Verse 2
The second verse describes the couple’s decision to get married. They didn’t have much, but they had each other, and that was enough. The line “they had a hi-fi phono, boy did they let it blast” illustrates their youthful enthusiasm and carefree attitude. They were in love, and they were happy. The verse also alludes to the challenges of young love. They didn’t have a lot of money, but they were determined to make it work.
Verse 3
The third verse moves the story forward in time. The couple has been married for a while and has had a child. The line “they bought a souped-up jitney, was a cherry red ’53” describes their new car. The car becomes a symbol of their progress and success as a family. The verse also alludes to the challenges of young parenthood. They were young and inexperienced, but they were determined to do their best.
Bridge
The bridge is a musical interlude that repeats the chorus melody. It creates a sense of unity and ties the song together. The line “they furnished off an apartment with a two-room Roebuck sale” describes the couple’s modest lifestyle. They didn’t have much, but they were content. The bridge emphasizes the couple’s determination to make the most of what they had.
Verse 4
The fourth verse brings the story full circle. The couple is older now, but they still love each other. The line “they had a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished them well” illustrates the passage of time. The couple has been through a lot, but they have come out on the other side. The verse also alludes to the unpredictability of life. The line “you never can tell” reminds us that life is full of surprises.
FAQs
1. What inspired Chuck Berry to write “You Never Can Tell”?
Chuck Berry was inspired to write “You Never Can Tell” by his own experiences with young love. He noticed that many young couples were getting married and starting their lives together despite their young age. He wanted to write a song that reflected the joys and challenges of young love.
2. Who covered “You Never Can Tell”?
There have been many covers of “You Never Can Tell” over the years. Some of the most popular covers include versions by Emmylou Harris, Bruce Springsteen, and the Black Keys.
3. What is the significance of the line “it goes to show you never can tell”?
The line “it goes to show you never can tell” is a statement about how unexpected things can happen in life, and love is no exception. The line emphasizes the unpredictability of life and love.
4. What is the meaning of the line “they furnished off an apartment with a two-room Roebuck sale”?
The line “they furnished off an apartment with a two-room Roebuck sale” refers to the couple’s modest lifestyle. They didn’t have a lot of money, so they bought their furniture from a Roebuck sale.
5. What is the meaning of the line “they were young and they had each other, who could ask for more?”
The line “they were young and they had each other, who could ask for more?” emphasizes the couple’s youthful enthusiasm and optimism. They were in love, and they were happy. The line also alludes to the challenges of young love. They didn’t have a lot of money, but they were determined to make it work.
6. What is the significance of the couple’s car in the song?
The couple’s car serves as a symbol of their progress and success as a family. The line “they bought a souped-up jitney, was a cherry red ’53” describes their new car. The car represents their determination to make the most of what they had.
7. What is the meaning of the line “they had a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished them well”?
The line “they had a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished them well” illustrates the passage of time. The couple has been through a lot, but they have come out on the other side. The line also alludes to the unpredictability of life.
8. Why is “You Never Can Tell” a popular wedding song?
“You Never Can Tell” is a popular wedding song because it tells a story of young love that perseveres through the challenges of life. The upbeat rhythm and catchy melody make it a perfect dance song for weddings.
9. What is the significance of the line “they had a hi-fi phono, boy did they let it blast”?
The line “they had a hi-fi phono, boy did they let it blast” describes the couple’s youthful enthusiasm and carefree attitude. They were in love, and they were happy. The line illustrates their joy of life and love.
10. Why do you think “You Never Can Tell” has endured through the years?
“You Never Can Tell” has endured through the years because it is a classic love ballad with a fun, upbeat twist. The song tells a story that many can relate to, and the rhythm and melody make it a timeless classic.
11. What other songs did Chuck Berry write?
Chuck Berry wrote many hit songs, including “Johnny B. Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Maybellene.”
12. What impact did Chuck Berry have on rock and roll music?
Chuck Berry is often referred to as the “father of rock and roll” because of his significant influence on the genre. His innovative guitar playing and songwriting style inspired many other musicians, and his songs continue to be some of the most popular and recognizable in rock and roll history.
