In addition there is the preparation device at the end of the second part of the verse for switching from A minor to A major. Let's call these four bars V2 and the first four bars V1, so the complete verse is V1, V1, V2, V2 . V2 is linked to V1 partly by the tune. The tune in the first bar of V1 is the same as the tune in the first bar of V2 - in itself quite an interesting effect. The tune starts in a pretty straightforward way - with notes A, G, A. Since the guitar is continuing to play a pedal A throughout V1, the tune is making very little demand of the underpinning harmony at this point.
Sixths have a rather specific harmonic effect - they are optimistic.
In this instance it provides better support to what is happening in the tune - you might almost say that the optimistic direction has been confirmed. The third and fourth bars are also forward looking - part of the preparation for the A major chorus. This song covers a similar harmonic distance in three specific steps. V1 and C have descending lines in their structure and V2 is more optimistic preparing for the change from V to C - from minor to major. The second chord of RM2 isn't placed on the analysis since it's more complicated.