Doris Plenn was a family friend of Pete Seeger, who reportedly taught Seeger a version of the song “How Can I Keep From Singing?.” Plenn’s version contained the final verse:
When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,
And hear their death-knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near,
How can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile,
Our thoughts to them go winging;
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?
Seeger later released the song after adapting the lyrics to omit Christian references and using the final verse from Plenn. The result was a song that was popular in folk revival and protest movements.