👉 A ballad is a form of song that originated in England and was popularized by composers such as William Wordsworth, John Keats, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Ballads are typically written in a shorter, more concise style than traditional songs, often featuring a simple melody and a repetitive refrain. They have been used to express themes of love, nature, or social commentary throughout history, with some ballads being particularly associated with the Romantic era.