"American Tune" is absolutely one of the most brilliant compositions in the lexicon of pop songwriting. As is "Both Sides Now" - a song I reference in my book several times, (from page 65):

Both Sides Now is not only a perfect song, but a perfect example of a song in which the chorus changes every time it appears. The first chorus describes looking at clouds from both sides now, the second addresses love, and the third examines life; each chorus had to be different to accommodate these varied subjects. However, the icon-phrase of the song re-occurs at the very same rhythmic and melodic spot in each chorus; it is also unchanged in tense, thus enriching its meaning and maintaining its innate hookiness.

And then, Joni (who does she think she is, anyway?) Mitchell has the brass to slay us softly with her song, by reprising the language of the first chorus, while replacing the word cloud with the word life. Absolute genius. That a songwriter had that much skill, savvy and wisdom at a mere 24 years old … is entirely unfair to the rest of us tin-pan hacks.

(Obviously a song to admire and a level of writing to aspire to.)
Great call on those two!

Rand Bishop
songwriter/producer/author Makin' Stuff Up, secrets of song-craft and survival in the music-biz
www.makinstuffup.net

Rand Bishop
Songwriter/producer/author