1. Definition & Conventions
Folk Ballads
Definition & Conventions

2. Definition
A form of VERSE to be sung or recited and characterized by its presentation of a dramatic or exciting EPISODE in simple NARRATIVE form.
Typically found in non- or pre-literate cultures/groups.
lyrical narrative

3. Conventions Refrain Incremental Repetition Question and Answer
Conventional Phrases
Strong, Simple Beat

4. Refrain
One or more words repeated at intervals in a poem, usually at the end of a stanza.
“make my bed soon …”
“…Edward, Edward.”
“bar the door”
“he was her man, but he was doing her wrong”

5. Incremental Repetition
Similar to refrain, but meaning is enhanced and context changed with succession.

6. There were four and twenty ladies
Were playing at the ball.
And Ellen, she was the fairest lady,
Must bring his steed to the stall.
Was a playing at the chess,
Must bring his horse to grass.

7. Question and Answer
A form of incremental repetition, creating a dialogue composed of questions/answers.
“Why does your brand sae drop wi’ blude, Edward, Edward?”
“Where have you gone my blue-eyed son?”

8. Conventional Phrases
Understood by their listeners to have meaning beyond their literal ones.
“Make my bed soon.”
“Hey, Mr. Tambourine man, play a song for me.” ~ Bob Dylan

9. A Strong, Simple Beat To be sung for a general audience.
No standardized rhyme scheme
No standardized meter

10. Ballad Stanza Usually consists of four lines:
Half o’er, half o’er to Aberdour
It’s fifty fadom deep.
And there lies guid Sir Patrick Spens
Wi’ the Scots lords at his feet.