You Never Can Tell [Chuck Berry]
Pulp Fiction Soundtrack · Pulp Fiction [Soundtrack] [1994]
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 that Pierre was married to the lovely mademoiselle
"C'est la vie", say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell
It had 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
You Never Can Tell
Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell" serves as the iconic opening track for the 1994 film Pulp Fiction, delivered with his signature electric guitar riff and driving rhythm. While the song originally appeared on Berry's 1966 album The Road to Nowhere, its inclusion in Quentin Tarantino's screenplay recontextualized it as a pivotal moment in modern cinema history. The track's upbeat, blues-rock energy contrasts sharply with the film's dialogue, establishing a unique tone that defined the movie's aesthetic. Berry's performance remains a standard in rock and roll history, showcasing his mastery of the twelve-bar blues structure and his ability to blend rockabilly with early rock. The recording's enduring popularity stems from its seamless integration into the soundtrack, where it acts as both a musical statement and a cultural touchstone for the era.