It’s one of those songs which resonates forever, in that distinctive melody, which is both yearning and knowing, and in the folk wisdom woven into the words. Remarkably, it was her very first song.

Here on what would have been Laura Nyro’s 73rd birthday, it is the perfect time for “And When I Die.” Of course, anytime is a good time for this song. It’s one of those songs which resonates forever, ...