Definition of "ballad" []

• A narrative poem, often of folk origin and intended to be sung, consisting of simple stanzas and usually having a refrain. (noun)
• The music for such a poem. (noun)
• A popular song especially of a romantic or sentimental nature. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Cheap sentiment sinks the title ballad, but the closer, "Make This Moment (To Love Again)," while sentimental as well, has the charm of a classic pop bauble from the 50s."
• "I mean, I suppose it does constitute a reading and all, given that the ballad is highly narrative, basically a wee story told in song."
• "Another song by Pete Seeger, this sorrowful ballad is taken from a Latin medieval poem, known as an “Ubi Sunt” (literally, Where Are …), the song refers to nostalgia and death."