A ballad is a type of narrative poem or song that tells a story, often focusing on themes of love, tragedy, or adventure. Traditionally, ballads are composed in a simple and rhythmic style, making them easy to remember and sing. They often feature a refrain, which is a repeated line or phrase that adds to the musical quality of the piece. Ballads have a long history and can be found in various cultures around the world. They were commonly passed down orally before being written down, allowing them to evolve over time. Famous examples of ballads include “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and “Barbara Allen”, a traditional folk ballad.