Definition

Noun: A traditional song, typically narrative in nature, that is passed down orally within a community or region and is considered part of its cultural heritage. It is a form of folk music.

Usage

The term "folk ballad" is used to describe a specific, traditional type of song. It is a countable noun. * Scholars study the folk ballad to understand historical events and social values. * The singer performed an ancient folk ballad about a lost love. * Several folk ballads from the Appalachian region tell stories of outlaws.

Examples

• "Barbara Allen" is a classic English .
• He collected and recorded from rural villages.
• The recounted the tale of a famous sea battle.

Advanced Usage

• As a cultural artifact: A is often analyzed as an expression of communal identity and history.
  • The folk ballad serves as an oral history of the community's struggles.
• In contrast to literary ballads: are distinguished from later "literary ballads," which were composed by known poets in imitation of the traditional style.

Variants and Related Words

• Ballad (n.): A broader term that can refer to any slow, sentimental song or, in a traditional sense, a narrative poem or song. A is a type of ballad.
• Folk song (n.): A general term for traditional music of unknown authorship. A is a narrative .
• Traditional ballad (n.): A synonym for .

Synonyms

• Traditional song
• Folk song (specifically narrative ones)
• Story song

Related Phrases

• To sing a folk ballad: To perform this type of song.
  • The elder taught the children to sing a folk ballad.
• Collection of folk ballads: A compiled set of these songs.
  • The library has a large collection of folk ballads.

Noun

1. a song that is traditionally sung by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture