My choices for best written song are Matt Dennis's "Everythying Happens to Me", for sophistication, imagery, wry humor, and "Somewhere, Over the Rainbow", which is the one song that any audience will sing, no matter who, or how old, they are.
Oh, and Stan Rogers's "Mary Ellen Carter". The man could tell a story.
Most songwriters are in conversation with themselves. The best songwriters are in the business of conversing with their customers.
The, special few, who gave us, what is called, the American Songbook,
the songs of the 20's, 30's, and 40's, should be heard by today's songwriters. Cole Porter's lyrics should be required study.(Check "Night and Day" for internal rhyme and flow and, if you want to see how to funny and hip, listen to all the verses of "Let's Do It").
How's this for imagery from50's singer/songwriter, Matt Dennis?


I telegraphed and phoned, I sent an airmail special, too.

Your answer was, "Goodbye", and there was, even, postage due.

I fell in love, just, once, why did it have to be with you?

Everything happens to me.