Interesting to me that the band from Japan is riffing off of Trini Lopez's upbeat swinging version of the tune, one that pretty much cheerfully obliterates the intended protest/anthem of the lyrics.

PP&M retained the original sense of the tune, and even Pete Seeger remarked that he thought that they did the number better and more effectively than he did or than he even conceived it.

Part of Seeger's lengthier remarks opens up this classic rendition by PP&M from the 1963 Newport Folk Festival. For me this is the definitive rendition of the song, and again and as always, we can admire PP&M's innovative harmonies and passion in their singing - and truly Mary's voice carries the number even as her beautiful stage presence just keeps us riveted on her.