This is a great thread and I am thankful for some of the gems I've found in here that I have never heard before. There are few things that make me as happy as hearing a masterpiece song for the very first time... especially when the song was written a long time ago.
For some reason the title of this thread made me think of songs I would want to hear on my death bed... so here are a few of mine:
I'm Ready: Tracy Chapman
This Patty Griffin song is really something special I think. Of course the live youtube recording sucks, but here it is:
Up to the Mountain
I can't believe I'm about to link something from American Idol.... but the song is so good, Jeff Beck is so amazing, and Kelly Clarkson just flat out sings the song the right way:
Beck/Clarkson Up to the Mountain
Irieguy