It’s true that there’s really nothing like Whitney Houston belting out the United States national anthem, but according to historian Simon Schama, the award for the best national anthem in the entire world would unequivocally go to France.

“It’s the great example of courage and solidarity when facing danger and that’s why it’s so invigorating, that’s why it really is the greatest national anthem in the world, ever,” said Schama in a BBC News interview.

The music, the words, and the history of La Marseillaise make it one of those songs that gives you chills when it’s sang. Especially when Edith Piaf does it, and rolls her R’s like crazy.

Learn more about France’s national anthem from Schama while artist Andrew Park re-imagines Delacroix’s iconic painting Liberty Leading in the video above!