Legendary folk singer Pete Seeger has recorded a new version of his Vietnam War-era protest song, "Bring Them Home." With new verses written by Seeger and Appleseed Recordings founder Jim Musselman, the track was recorded with additional vocals by modern day compatriots Steve Earle, Ani DiFranco, and Billy Bragg, and now includes the line, "The great part of America is that you have to right to speak your mind."

"I felt that the song and what Pete says in it have an important message during this time of backlash against entertainers like Tim Robbins and the Dixie Chicks who have simply expressed their views, which is what is needed in a democracy," Musselman said in a statement. "Pete is someone who has always stood up for the First Amendment, going back to the McCarthy era, when he faced a jail term rather than give up his constitutional rights."

The updated version of "Bring Them Home" will appear on the two-disc "Seeds: The Songs of Pete Seeger, Volume 3," due in August via Appleseed. The first disc will feature 12 more songs recorded by the artist over the past three years, including "The Dove," the post 9/11 song "Tell It to Doctor King," and "Flowers of Peace," the latter sung by Anne Hills with Seeger.

The second "Seeds" disc will be made up of 15 new recordings of songs written or associated with Seeger. Among those contributing that disc are Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, and Holly Near.

Seeger -- who on Saturday (May 3) will celebrate his 84th birthday -- performed a version of "Over the Rainbow" for thousands of demonstrators at a New York peace rally in February.