What is a ballad?

A ballad is a form of narrative poetry that tells a story through distinctive features such as rhyme, meter, and repetition. Traditionally, ballads were often sung as a means of storytelling, with musicians accompanying the lyrics on instruments such as the guitar or banjo. Today, while the ballad form has evolved to include contemporary topics and styles, its defining characteristic -- the ability to transport listeners to another time or place with its vivid storytelling -- remains unchanged.

Ballads often focus on a central quest, adventure, or tragic love story, featuring characters who possess strong emotions and desires. Because of the constraints of its form, ballads often rely on certain conventions to establish a quick pace and strong rhythm, such as the use of four-line stanzas with specific rhyme schemes.

Whether you're writing a ballad for a class assignment or simply for your own pleasure, remember that the story should come first and the form should follow. Take the time to craft a compelling, emotionally resonant narrative, then have fun experimenting with different rhyme schemes, repetition patterns, and meter to bring your story to life.