Edith Piaf, also known affectionately as the Little Sparrow, was a French Cabaret singer who became known as France’s diva and greatest international star. Non, je ne regrette rein meaning – No, I regret nothing – was composed by Charles Dumont with lyrics by Michel Vaucaire. Dumont made several attempts for Piaf to sing his compositions. When Piaf heard this song she reportedly said that this is what she has been waiting for. The song was dedicated by Piaf to the French Foreign Legion and is sung by them till this day while on parade.

What we like

• Edith’s life although in some ways remain a mystery are as dramatic as the songs she sings. Even in a foreign language her way of singing communicates the depth of feeling earned through her life of hardship

Soul experience

• It is so easy to feel regret for the things that have happened or did not happen in our lives. And in this regret we get stuck and are unable to move forward. Afraid that we may find ourselves in the same situation that we don’t want to be in. Or afraid that we cannot find that situation which we wish for. If we learn from where we have been and move forward as the song indicates we can start afresh

To reflect on

• No, nothing at all
  No, I regret nothing
  Not the good things they did to me
  Nor the bad – may as well be the same to me

Map the soul musician’s birthplace
Map the photograph location