Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien

Album: The Very Best of Edith Piaf (1960)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Edith Piaf decided to retire in 1960. A few months later, she was persuaded to make a comeback by Charles Dumont and Michel Vaucaire, two young French songwriters, who had written the song "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien." At first she refused to see them or take their song seriously. Dumont recalls in The Daily Express, June 30, 2007, "When I started playing the piano, Piaf's attitude changed immediately. She made me play it over and over again, maybe 5 or 6 times. She said that it was magnificent, wonderful. That it was made for her."
  • The title is French for "No, I Regret Nothing."
  • The character Edith Bunker, the mother on the TV series All in the Family, was named after her Piaf.
  • This was featured in the 2010 movie Inception as the song the team of dream warriors would use as a signal to get out of the dream. Marion Cotillard, who played Mal in the film, won an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Piaf in the 2007 film La Vie en Rose. The music cue they use for the "kick" in the film is a slowed-down version of this song.

Comments: 2

  • Charles from Bronxville, NyOn his album "Blue Moves" Elton John wrote a song about Edith Piaf entitled "Cage the Songbird." Graham Nash and David Crosby sing backing harmonies. It's an undiscovered jewel.
  • Charles from Glenside, PaLOL - Edith Bunker was named after the Little Sparrow? I'll remember that every time I hear her screaching voice at beginning of 'All in the Family'.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.